Evening dress

Unknown

1928–30 · silk, rhinestones · Costume Institute

This evening dress shows the transition of the hemline, which reached the floor after 1929. The silhouette of the bodice of this dress follows that of the 1920s as it is tubular and low-waisted. The sheer white chiffon is a very delicate fabric, and its sheerness adds a seductive element. Perhaps what makes this dress so interesting is its adornment. The placement of the rhinestones adds dimension to the vermiculate pattern while the negative space patterning has a Middle Eastern feel. Additionally, the trompe l'oeil belt is not only unique, but eye-catching, drawing attention to the waist.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1928–30

Medium

silk, rhinestones

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Mrs. J. Francis Warshaw, 1957