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Afternoon dress

Afternoon dress
 1922

Medium
silk (velvet, chiffon, lining), glass (beads), metallic thread, metal (sequins and fastenings)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of Krystyna Campbell-Pretty AM and Family through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gift Program, 2025
Gallery location
Mid 20th Century Paintings & Decorative Arts Gallery
Level 2, NGV International
 

About this work

Designer Paul Poiret led the fashion world in the first decade of the twentieth century. Working first as a private dressmaker, then for Jacques Doucet from 1898 and the House of Worth in 1901–3, Poiret opened his own maison de couture in 1905. He became known for his loosely draped and uncorseted dresses as well as his Orientalist designs. The loose chemise style of this dress sees Poiret echoing richly embroidered Byzantine garments with a fine network of gold thread over velvet.

Artwork Details

Medium
silk (velvet, chiffon, lining), glass (beads), metallic thread, metal (sequins and fastenings)
Measurements
111.0 cm (centre back) 42.0 cm (waist, flat)
Place/s of Execution
France
Accession Number
2025.588
Department
International Fashion and Textiles
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of Krystyna Campbell-Pretty AM and Family through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gift Program, 2025
Gallery location
Mid 20th Century Paintings & Decorative Arts Gallery
Level 2, NGV International

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