Evening Gown with Over-skirt

The full-length evening gown plays expertly with the contrast of deep black velvet and shiny metallic, grey-black taffeta. A wide yoke bodice made of taffeta is attached below the breast to the bolero-like top part made of velvet with long smooth sleeves. Underneath this, the skirt, that is laid into loose folds from velvet, begins in the waist. It is lined with taffeta and is open in the front middle and widely folded back. Thus it provides a view of the taffeta-lined reverse side. The waist is further emphasized by a wide taffeta belt that is tied into a bow in the back. Nina Ricci (1883-1970) opened her own salon in Paris in 1905. This was followed in 1932 by the foundation of her own haute couture house. In 1951, Ricci retired as designer and her son Robert (1905-1988) became Managing Director. The house has since worked with creative arts staff. From 1964 to 1989, Gérard Pipart was Artistic Director of the company.