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EVENING DRESS

Creator(s): Jeanne Paquin (Designer)

Currently in storage


About this object

The bodice of this full length evening dress is constructed from black velvet, while the skirt is made in copper colored silk taffeta with a small, brocaded design in a repeat pattern. Black tulle lace is gathered onto the edge of the square shaped, scoop neckline. Bodice and sleeve are cut in one with a full underarm gusset. Narrow sleeves close at wrist with six covered buttons and soutache loops. Large batted shoulder pads covered in black crêpe lift and extend the shoulder silhouette. The right shoulder is ornately decorated with serpentine patterns of jet bead roping and sequins. Free-hanging strands of jet beads are randomly placed throughout the shoulder area. The bodice extends to the hip, where a separate, gathered sash is attached, visually extending the line of the bodice. A free-hanging section of the sash continues around the body and is secured at front right waist. A padded skirt is created from 21 gored panels. The shape of the skirt is created by the interior black taffeta lining, also made from 21 gores, each measuring 6" in width at the hem. The outer skirt panels, 10" wide at hem, are pressed in an inverted pleat. The skirt and lining are then stitched together at the join of each gore. The hem of both the skirt and the lining are accentuated by a band of heavy, millinery horsehair. The garment closes with a metal zipper at center back.

Object name:
EVENING DRESS
Made from:
Silk taffeta -- silk velvet -- tulle
Made in:
Paris, France
Date made:
1947-1952
Size:
H. 31 in. (shoulder to waist front); H. 18 in. (shoulder to waist back); Dia. 27 1/4 in. (waist circumference); H. 24 in. (waist to hem front); H. 38 in. (waist to hem back)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:
48.102
Signature marks:
LABEL: Paquin / 3. RUE DE LA PAIX / PARIS [in side seam of bodice; label folds back; on folded side, written in pen, it also reads: "29A9" or "Z9A9". Woven on the back of the label, "MADE / IN / FRANCE." FRANCE."]
Credit line:
Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973