Evening Gown

According to notes from Helen Clay Frick, her mother Adelaide Frick wore this ensemble from French designer Gustave Beer to a reception given at the White House by President Theodore Roosevelt. Dating to 1905, the gown is made of silk velvet, taffeta, and satin, Brussels needlepoint lace, tissue ribbon, and gold metallic thread. Its “S-curve” style was the height of fashion at the time, a look achieved by wearing a restrictive corset. Gustave Beer was based in Paris on the Place Vendome from 1905-1914. He also sold his collections at luxury hotels during the tourist season.