Evening dress
Brand
Boué Soeurs
(French, 1899 - 1957)
c. 1919
Silver lamé twill, net, white chiffon, metal thread, silk, silk and metal appliqué, horsehair,
and glass seed pearls
Museum purchase
Object numberP91.36.2
The Boué Soeurs, Sylvie Montegut and Jeanne d’Etreillis, embraced a soft, romantic aesthetic, taking inspiration from changing natural light. They achieved this delicate effect through transparent and gently reflective metallic fabrics. Silver textiles like the one shown here were so rare in early 20th century couture that the sisters sometimes sourced them from theatrical suppliers.
DescriptionLate day dress: silver silk twill, white net and chiffon, embroidered in silver tone, metal threads, with silk and metal appliquéd roses and leaves; camisole under silk right, embroidered net left deep V-neck bodice with cap sleeve; wide attached appliquéd silk cummerbund; straight-line, above ankle length silk skirt with spiral layered embroidered net overskirt; left hip extension supported by hoops and horsehair; net bow at left back hip, extending to weighted train; double right back train of appliquéd silk with tassels of glass seed pearls; diagonal back closure with hooks and ringsCollections
Exhibitions