Evening dress

Physical description

Evening ensemble consisting of a long evening dress and a mantle made of leopard printed crêpe. Machine-sewn.
[Mantle] Triangular shaped mantle with an elongated end.
[Evening dress] Long evening dress, sleeveless, and the neckline is cut across the front in a diagonal, covering one shoulder only. The other shoulder, the right, has a narrow strap of leopard crêpe. The shape is figure-hugging, flares out at the hem and ends at the back in a train. The skirt is cut on the cross and darted at the left side of the waist.

Place of Origin

Great Britain, UK (made)

Date

ca. 1936 (made)

Artist/maker

Busvine (maker)

Materials and Techniques

Machine-sewn and printed crêpe

Object history note

This evening gown 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 was reported to have worn this dress when she met Benito Mussolini.

This evening dress is an example of the 1930s's vogue for fashion inspired by Africa and animals motifs, displayed firstly in the colonialist exhibitions, then popularised by Hollywood, through the character of Tarzan and his female companion Jane. The figure-hugging shape of the dress is typical of the 1930s.

Descriptive line

Evening ensemble consisting of a dress and mantle made of printed crêpe, Busvine, Great Britain, ca. 1936

Materials

Crepe

Techniques

Machine sewing

Categories

Textiles; Fashion; Evening wear; Women's clothes

Production Type

Limited edition

Collection code

T&F