Evening Dress

In contrast to the slim bodice, the skirt consists of two layers of tulle, creating volume and drawing the eye. The skirt is cut in circular form with a hole in the center for the waist. Decorated with grape motif appliqués, the hem has a horsehair band applied, this providing weight and allowing the dress to fall in a wavelike flair line. The tulle of the bodice reaches to the neck while the back is left bare, allowing the natural line of the body to merge with the line of the dress. The circular-cut tulle creates a feeling of volume and lightness, emphasizing the bodyline of the wearer and in this respect, it can be said to typify the uniqueness and creativity of Vionnet’s work.
Born in Paris, Madeleine Vionnet studied as a seamstress, working for such designers as Callot and Doucet before going independent in 1912. Using bias cut etc., she made the most of the material’s texture, while her cutting and sewing allowed her to create numerous original designs. She was one of the most creative designers of the twentieth century, her work characterized by an extremely refined simplicity that continues to influence designers to this day.