"Oriane"

Pierre Balmain|House of Balmain

fall/winter 1954–55 · silk, glass, shells · Costume Institute

In the 1950s the dix-huitième revival launched by Dior flourished in the French couture. In individual and idiosyncratic ways, designers such as Jacques Fath, Cristobal Balenciaga, and the demure Pierre Balmain rendered their versions of the eighteenth century. For Balmain, consistently discreet, the eighteenth century signified the quiet luxury of the most sumptuous and varied embroidery. The eye would be dazzled, but with judgment and an unassuming pleasure.

Artist

Pierre Balmain|House of Balmain

Date

fall/winter 1954–55

Medium

silk, glass, shells

Culture

French

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Gift of Mrs. David Rosenthal, 1960