Jessie Franklin Turner | Tea Gown | c. 1940
Teagowns or “negligees” as the style was sometimes called at the time, were adapted from strictly at home wear to dinner and evening dress in the 1930s. This particular teagown, one of her most well-known design types, exemplifies this alternative form of formal dress and Turner’s luxurious and unconventional design aesthetic. The use of sumptuous materials and textures, combined in pleasing ways, was a signature element of her designs, seen here in the expert juxtaposition of taffeta, lace, chiffon and satin. Turner was also known for her interesting, often unexpected, color combinations, shown in this teagown in the use of calming celadon satin, chiffon and lace contrasted with the softest of pink and vibrant magenta details.
Two-piece bathing suit | c. 1944
Cotton and Silk | c. 1798
Charles James | c. 1954
I am obsessed with this color right now. This could grace any red carpet today and the wearer would still look contemporary and sleek. Charles James can (could?) do no wrong. He transcends time.
Imagine this with a huge gold necklace or canary diamonds? Ugh…dead.
(this is a re-post…shhhh)
Michael Sherard | Cocktail Dress | c. 1958
Cocktail dresses gained a new popularity after the Second World War. They were worn at early evening or ‘6 to 8’ gatherings. Since guests usually stood and mingled, the gowns could include complex bustles, appliqué and skirt details, which would be crushed if sat on.
The flamenco dress was a recurring theme in 1950s cocktail and evening wear. Sherard’s version has a bell-like skirt and train made entirely of lace, his trademark fabric.
Christian Dior | “Nuit à Chicago” | c. 1954
Jean Dessès | c. 1951
Pleats please.
Feliks Topolski | c.1947
I am loving the shoulders and the bias cut skirt. I with there was a detail shot of the print :(
Charles James | c. 1955
The inspiration for this elegant evening dress probably came from cuirasse bodices and bustle skirts of the 1870s. James was fascinated by the cut of historical dress and explored innovative new forms of garment construction, such as spiral draping. His forte included the creation of luxurious, full-skirted evening gowns. He looked on dresses as works of art, as did his customers.
Coral Tiara | c. 1860 - 1870
Phillips Brothers, in which the dominant partner was Robert Phillips, were the leading supplier of coral goods in London, as well as being important goldsmiths and jewellers. In 1870 the firm advertised that it had ‘the most complete collection of fine coral work in the world’. Robert Phillips received the order of the Crown of Italy for his services to the coral industry in Naples.
I love this so much I posted it twice.
