Evening Dress
1958 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
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.
In his book the Little Dictionary of Fashion (1954) Christian Dior (1905-57) described cocktail dresses as ‘elaborate and dressy afternoon frocks’, preferably in black taffeta, satin, chiffon and wool. These confections became the personification of the ‘little black dress’ and were often accessorised with gloves and small, elaborate hats.
This dress was designed by Michael Sherard (1910–98) for his acclaimed 1958 spring collection.
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.
In his book the Little Dictionary of Fashion (1954) Christian Dior (1905-57) described cocktail dresses as ‘elaborate and dressy afternoon frocks’, preferably in black taffeta, satin, chiffon and wool. These confections became the personification of the ‘little black dress’ and were often accessorised with gloves and small, elaborate hats.
This dress was designed by Michael Sherard (1910–98) for his acclaimed 1958 spring collection.
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.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | French re-embroidered ribbon lace, with taffeta |
| Brief description | Lace evening dress, designed by Michael Sherard, London, spring/summer 1958. |
| Physical description | Black lace evening dress, with wide V neckline, long tight sleeves, fitted bodice and full skirt. The skirt has a short hemline in the front, dipping into a train in the back. Trimmed with appliqué flowers of taffeta. |
| Dimensions |
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| Production type | Haute couture |
| Gallery label | [Case panel]
Cocktail and Early Evening
Daywear was followed by formal afternoon dresses (robes après-midi habillées), cocktail dresses (robes de cocktail), semi-evening (robes demi-soir) and short evening dresses (robes du soir courtes). These distinctions became simpler as the decade progressed and social codes began to break down.
Cocktail dresses first appeared in the 1920s and gained a new popularity after the war. They were worn at early evening or '6 to 8' gatherings, where guests usually stood and mingled. The gowns could include complex bustles and skirt details, which would be crushed if sat on.
In his book the Little Dictionary of Fashion (1954) Christian Dior described cocktail dresses as 'elaborate and dressy afternoon frocks', preferably in black taffeta, satin, chiffon and wool. These confections became the personification of the 'little black dress' and were often accessorised with gloves and small hats.
[object label]
Cocktail dress (robe de cocktail)
Michael Sherard (1910–98)
London
1958
The flamenco dress was a reoccurring theme in 1950s evening wear. Sherard’s version has a bell-like skirt and train made entirely of lace, his trademark fabric.
French re-embroidered ribbon lace, with taffeta
Given by Mr John Fraser and Mr Michael Sherard
V&A: T.403-1974(22/09/2007-06/01/2008) |
| Credit line | Given by Mr John Fraser and Mr Michael Sherard |
| Object history | Given by the designer |
| Subject depicted | |
| Association | |
| Summary | 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. In his book the Little Dictionary of Fashion (1954) Christian Dior (1905-57) described cocktail dresses as ‘elaborate and dressy afternoon frocks’, preferably in black taffeta, satin, chiffon and wool. These confections became the personification of the ‘little black dress’ and were often accessorised with gloves and small, elaborate hats. This dress was designed by Michael Sherard (1910–98) for his acclaimed 1958 spring collection. 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. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.403-1974 |
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| Record created | September 6, 2007 |
| Record URL |
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