Byzance
Evening Dress
1924 (designed)
1924 (designed)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This sleeveless dress has a low square neckline, which was popular in the the mid 1920s. Its straight bodice is embroidered with a design that reveals the influence of Egyptian patterns. Jean Patou (1880-1936) was born in Normandy, France, the son of a tanner. His uncle owned a fur business, which Patou joined. In 1914 he opened a small dressmaking business, Maison Parry, in Paris and sold his entire opening collection to an American buyer. His career was interrupted by the First World War of 1914-1918, but in 1919 he reopened his salon, this time under his own name. His collections continued to be a great success. Along with 'Coco' Chanel he was considered a leading exponent of the 'garçon' look, creating smart, workmanlike and well-tailored clothes. Throughout the 1920s he also consistently championed the shorter length of skirt that did much to stimulate the demand for stockings. His long-waisted evening dresses with their emphasis on luxurious design and rich decoration were worn by famous actresses, such as Louise Brooks, Constance Bennett and Mary Pickford. Patou died in 1936, and his brother-in-law, Raymond Barbàs, took over the business. In 1963 the artistic direction of the company was taken over by Michael Goma.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Title | Byzance (assigned by artist) |
Materials and techniques | Silk, embroidered with glass bugle beads and imitation baroque pearls, lined with georgette and fastened with metal hooks and eyes |
Brief description | Evening Dress, Patou, Paris, 1924. |
Physical description | Evening dress made from oyster georgette with low, straight neck and shoulder straps. The bodice is straight cut with a low waist. The skirt is slightly gauged at the back and continues to the front sides. The front skirt consists of a central beaded panel. The dress is embroidered in beads of pink, gold, bronze and baroque pearl. The design entirely covers the bodice and is arranged in panels with floral motifs and a border pattern around the skirt. The shoulder straps and front skirt panel are embroidered in bands. The dress fastens at the left hand side with hooks and eyes and is lined with georgette. |
Dimensions |
|
Credit line | Given by Lord and Lady Cowdray |
Summary | This sleeveless dress has a low square neckline, which was popular in the the mid 1920s. Its straight bodice is embroidered with a design that reveals the influence of Egyptian patterns. Jean Patou (1880-1936) was born in Normandy, France, the son of a tanner. His uncle owned a fur business, which Patou joined. In 1914 he opened a small dressmaking business, Maison Parry, in Paris and sold his entire opening collection to an American buyer. His career was interrupted by the First World War of 1914-1918, but in 1919 he reopened his salon, this time under his own name. His collections continued to be a great success. Along with 'Coco' Chanel he was considered a leading exponent of the 'garçon' look, creating smart, workmanlike and well-tailored clothes. Throughout the 1920s he also consistently championed the shorter length of skirt that did much to stimulate the demand for stockings. His long-waisted evening dresses with their emphasis on luxurious design and rich decoration were worn by famous actresses, such as Louise Brooks, Constance Bennett and Mary Pickford. Patou died in 1936, and his brother-in-law, Raymond Barbàs, took over the business. In 1963 the artistic direction of the company was taken over by Michael Goma. |
Collection | |
Accession number | T.198-1970 |
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
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
Record created | February 25, 2003 |
Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest