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Dress and gloves
Paul Poiret, born 1879 - died 1944 - Enlarge image
Dress and gloves
- Place of origin:
Paris, France (made)
- Date:
1923-1926 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Paul Poiret, born 1879 - died 1944 (designer)
- Credit Line:
Given anonymously
- Museum number:
T.342 to B-1974
- Gallery location:
In Storage
This short day dress is made of checked silk taffeta in grey, coral, black and white. It is sleeveless, with a square neckline, straight bodice and waistline on the hips. Skirt panels are gathered on to the hip band, over a straight and longer black taffeta underskirt. Paul Poiret designed it between 1923 and 1926. The dress is part of a collection entirely made of checked silk taffeta of grey, coral, white and black. Poiret based it on the 'picture dress', a romantic alternative to the straight chemise dress. The 'picture dress' displayed a long, wide skirt attached to a fitted bodice, usually at a natural waistline. Poiret used it as the basis for a very modern day dress. This combined the outlines of the picture dress with a straight underskirt, made of stiffer fabrics and modern prints. To be in line with the fashionable waistline, Poiret dropped it to the hips.
