Evening Dress thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Evening Dress

1937 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This elegant evening ensemble was designed by London couturier Peter Russell. It was worn by Mrs John Fraser (Ruth Vincent) and given by her son, Mr John Fraser. An almost identical version made in lamé was featured in Vogue magazine, where it was described as an ideal presentation dress. This ensemble forms part of the Cecil Beaton Collection, brought together by the society photographer Sir Cecil Beaton (1904-1980). With great energy and determination, Beaton contacted the well-dressed elite of Europe and North America to help create this lasting monument to the art of dress. The Collection was exhibited in 1971, accompanied by a catalogue that detailed its enormous range.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Coat
  • Dress
Materials and techniques
Pleated crêpe, embroidered with beads and diamante, interlined with undyed wool and lined with silk faille
Brief description
Evening ensemble consisting of embroidered crêpe dress and wool coat, designed by Peter Russell, London, 1937.
Physical description
Evening ensemble consisting of embroidered crêpe dress and wool coat.
Marks and inscriptions
'PETER RUSSELL 2 CARLOS PLACE BERKELEY SQUARE W1' (Label)
Credit line
Given by Mr John Fraser
Production
2 Carlos Place, Berkeley Square, London
Summary
This elegant evening ensemble was designed by London couturier Peter Russell. It was worn by Mrs John Fraser (Ruth Vincent) and given by her son, Mr John Fraser. An almost identical version made in lamé was featured in Vogue magazine, where it was described as an ideal presentation dress. This ensemble forms part of the Cecil Beaton Collection, brought together by the society photographer Sir Cecil Beaton (1904-1980). With great energy and determination, Beaton contacted the well-dressed elite of Europe and North America to help create this lasting monument to the art of dress. The Collection was exhibited in 1971, accompanied by a catalogue that detailed its enormous range.
Bibliographic reference
Fashion : An Anthology by Cecil Beaton. London : H.M.S.O., 1971 212 & 213
Collection
Accession number
T.362, 363-1974

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdDecember 15, 1999
Record URL
Download as: JSON