Evening dress
Evening gowns of the mid- to late-1930s mirrored the excesses and extravagances of the period. Just as the blithe world of le beau monde reflected the opulence of a by-gone age, fashions revealed a propensity towards ostentation and lavishness. Designers rejected the stripped-down purism of international modernism in favor of theatricality and ornamentation. It was a form of reactionary anti-modernism that was also prevalent in the decorative arts of the time.
This proud, stately gown heavily encrusted with jet beads reveals Balenciaga's Spanish influences. Its monumentality is enhanced by a prominent bustle, a silhouette that references the 1880s.
This proud, stately gown heavily encrusted with jet beads reveals Balenciaga's Spanish influences. Its monumentality is enhanced by a prominent bustle, a silhouette that references the 1880s.
Artwork Details
- Title: Evening dress
- Design House: House of Balenciaga (French, founded 1937)
- Designer: Cristobal Balenciaga (Spanish, Guetaria, San Sebastian 1895–1972 Javea)
- Date: 1940–43
- Culture: French
- Medium: silk, jet beading
- Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Loel Guinness, 1965
- Object Number: C.I.65.28.2
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
House of Balenciaga
1945–55
House of Balenciaga
1960s
House of Balenciaga
ca. 1960
House of Balenciaga
1960s
House of Balenciaga
1960s
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.