|
Materials: Gold brocade lame, pale cream China silk lining,
rock crystal ball, rock crystal large beads and cut pieces, diamante in
various sizes, four large faux (?) topazes, brass beads, brass spangles
and jewelry fittings, pale olive-gold silk hem tape, cream silk chiffon
hem lining.
Provenance: Worth gown came from
the personal collection of an important American collector. She
collected American and European clothing during the decades of the 1940s
through 1980s.
Label: Woven ivory on ivory silk petersham, "F Worth".
Condition: Excellent, wonderful
condition. Only one of the many small diamante jewels is missing, very
minor wear to lame.
Measurements: B, 36"; H, 44"; Gown L, 44"; Top L, 20".
Comments: This two piece lame
gown comes from the legendary House of Worth. Founded in 1857 by Charles
Frederick Worth its reputation for superlative quality couture clothing
was rivaled by none. This amazing gown was created by Jean-Charles
Worth, grandson to acknowledged founder of French couture, Charles
Frederick Worth. The lame fabric is brocaded in a swirling fingerprint
motif fabric. A deceptively simple gown on the body, yet the lines,
intricate piecing and layering of the fabrics tell a more complex story.
The construction of this dress predicts the intricate bias cut draping
of the 1930s, as no other 1920s gown I've seen has done. The icing on
this confection is the dramatic rock crystal and diamante encrusted
jeweled top. I am at a loss for words, it speaks for itself!
|
