Evening Gown with Short Train

This evening gown plays with the contrast of transparent tulle and opaque velvet and satin. Black organza lays above a petticoat of black satin, and over that, richly embroidered tulle hung with satin at knee height. This offers the necessary weight to the lightweight fabric. The somewhat elevated waist has a square neckline marked by a shirred velvet ribbon. This ends in the back in short sash ribbons, the hemline of which is adorned with tassels and pearlised baubles. The short tulle sleeves are also weighted with pearl baubles. A strap-like velvet trim extends from the shoulder to the waistband, loose on both sides in the front and ending in tulle trim. The shimmering, effective embroidery of the tulle skirt has delicate sequin lines above satin trim that merge into a rich, large-scale decoration of leaf garlands and circular rosette motifs. In 1888, the sisters Marie, Marthe, Régine and Joséphine Callot founded an early lingerie and lace merchandise in Paris. In 1895 they followed this with the establishment of a couture house, which existed until 1936. They maintained an opulent style and lavishly adorned their pieces with lace and velvet.