RENAISSANCE OR "JULIET" COSTUME

Creator(s): Unknown

Currently in storage

About this object

This theatrical, Renaissance-style costume in salmon brocade is often referred to as Marjorie Merriweather Post's "Juliet" costume. Post wore this costume to the Everglades Ball on March 7, 1929. The Everglades Ball was a fancy dress ball held annually at the Everglades Club in Palm Beach, Florida.

This theatrical, Renaissance-style costume in salmon colored brocade is often referred to as Mrs. Post's "Juliet" costume. The garment is built on a silk underbodice with vertical boning. The low sweetheart neckline is embellished with a flat band gold metallic brocade overlaid with square-faceted faux emeralds and small faux pearls in a diamond pattern. The brocade is edged at the top with large, flat pearls and at the bottom with a row of smaller pearls and free-hanging tear-drop shaped pearls. Narrow shoulder straps are created from pleated metallic brocade. Flesh toned insets of cotton crêpe applied to the top of the bodice provide additional support for the heavy gown and large sleeves. The sleeves are constructed on a fitted cotton undersleeve. Three oversized puffs of salmon brocade create the upper portion of the sleeve. Narrow bands of gold brocade with applied faux emeralds and pearls encircle the sleeve between puffs. A tight fitting lower sleeve of gold thread cotton begins above the elbow with extends beyond the wrist. Rows of interior cording give the lower sleeve a three dimensional quality. A long copper colored drape with gold metallic trim is pleated into the shoulder strap. The drape hangs in cascading loops, secured between sleeve puffs and continuing to the floor. A full, tubular skirt is gathered to the bodice at the waist. The skirt is lined with cotton and finished at the hem interior with a band of metallic fabric. This band increases in width from front to back, so that the long train is entirely lined with metallic fabric. A wrist loop is applied at the lower edge of the train at center back. The garment closes at center back with a series of metal hooks and bars.

Object name:

RENAISSANCE OR "JULIET" COSTUME

Made from:

Silk brocade -- metallic brocade -- plastic (trim)

Made in:

USA

Date made:

1928-1929

Size:

H. 17 in. (shoulder to waist front); H. 18 in. (shoulder to waist back); Dia. 28 in. (waist circumference); H. 44 in. (waist to hem front); H. 85 in. (waist to hem back); Dia. 250 in. (hem circumference)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:

48.139.1-2

Signature marks:

Credit line:

Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973