Evening Dress
1957 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This dress was designed by Antonio del Castillo (1908–84) for the couture house of Lanvin in 1957. It was embroidered by the house of Lesage, a famous French embroidery firm. The design was created by François Lesage (b.1929), who inherited the business in 1949, and was inspired by the embroidery on 18th century waistcoats.
Gowns that were to be embroidered were usually simply cut, like this one, to show off their sumptuous surface detail.
Gowns that were to be embroidered were usually simply cut, like this one, to show off their sumptuous surface detail.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Silk with chenille and diamante embroidery |
| Brief description | Evening dress of embroidered silk zibeline, designed by Antonio Castillo for Lanvin with materials manufactured by Staron, Paris, 1957. |
| Physical description | White silk zibeline evening dress, with shoulder straps, fitted bodice, tulip-shaped skirt with slight gathering. Embroidered in vibrant purple chenille and diamante in a formal floral design. |
| Dimensions |
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| Production type | Haute couture |
| Gallery label | Evening dress
Antonio del Castillo (1908-84) for Lanvin Castillo
Paris
1957
Lesage's embroidery was inspired by that on 18th-century waistcoats. Concentrated on the bodice, it creates a lower, 'trompe l'oeil' neckline while leaving the skirt quite plain.
Silk zibeline by Staron; embroidered by Lesage with chenille-work, sequins, beads and stones
Given by the Countess of Drogheda
V&A: T.284-1974(22/09/2007) |
| Credit line | Given by the Countess of Drogheda |
| Object history | This dress was embroidered by the Paris embroidery house of Lesage. Designed by Francois Lesage, it was inspired by the embroidery on 18th century waistcoats, of which he was/is fascinated by. The dress was worn and given by the Countess of Drogheda. The same model was also made for the actor Vivien Leigh, who wore it with a purple silk satin stole on at least three occasions between 1961 and 1963. Her dress was sold at Sotheby's in 2003. |
| Subject depicted | |
| Association | |
| Summary | This dress was designed by Antonio del Castillo (1908–84) for the couture house of Lanvin in 1957. It was embroidered by the house of Lesage, a famous French embroidery firm. The design was created by François Lesage (b.1929), who inherited the business in 1949, and was inspired by the embroidery on 18th century waistcoats. Gowns that were to be embroidered were usually simply cut, like this one, to show off their sumptuous surface detail. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.284-1974 |
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| Record created | September 4, 2007 |
| Record URL |
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