Evening outfit consisting of a dress, jacket, slip and belt of silk georgette with silver gilt embroidery, made by Nabob, London, ca. 1927

Evening outfit consisting of a dress, jacket, slip and belt of mustard yellow silk georgette with silver gilt embroidery and piping.

This ensemble was worn by Miss Emilie Grigsby (1876-1964) who was a wealthy independent American who came to England from New York. She established a salon which was frequented by writers and the military. She was considered to be one of the great international beauties, with extremely pale, almost transparent skin and golden hair. She was frequently the subject of articles in the New York Times during the early 20th century. Her clothes were purchased from couturiers in London, Paris, and New York, and demonstrated an elegantly avant-garde approach to style.

At the time of acquisition, Miss Grigsby's friend, Miss Chisholm recollected that this was worn by Emilie Grigsby to host a reception she gave for the famous violinist Jascha Heifetz (c.1901-1987)

Skirts with handkerchief points were particularly fashionable in the late 1920s. They were forerunners of the longer skirts that became generally accepted by 1929. Soft, light-silk fabrics proved ideal for this bias-cut flowing style. Diaphonous silks were usually worn with matching petticoats, or laid over the foundation of the dress. The few garments designed by Nabob in the V&A's collection are made from imported 'exotic' materials.

T.144 to C-1967