And the award for fashion history’s “best pocket” (at waist) goes to: “Cyclone” evening dress by Jeanne Lanvin, 1939, @metcostumeinstitute: “This gown is part of a collection assembled and brought to New York by Mrs. Ector Munn and Mrs. Harrison Williams who, among others, chaired the American branch of the WWII French war charity, "Le Colis de Trianon-Versailles." In 1940, with the support of Lady Mendl and the Duchess of Windsor, they organized an exhibition, "Paris Openings," to raise money. The exhibition, which was held at the John Wanamaker Auditorium in New York, featured evening dresses of the women of society and were chosen either for their "hallowed memory," or if they had been worn on some "Great Occasion." They all revealed the supreme and unsurpassed craftsmanship of the couture métier in the five years leading up to World War II.
This "Cyclone" evening dress by Jeanne Lanvin was worn by her daughter the Comtesse Jean de Polignac. According to Bettina Ballard, she was a "soft beauty" who belonged more to the intimacy of the private salon than to public places of entertainment.” #JeanneLanvin #theartofdress #hautecouture #fashionhistory #1930sfashion
During the Twenties, Lanvin’s name became synonymous with a style of dress known as the “robe de style” with its padded, panniered hips and wide skirt. At a time when women increasingly favored the short, shapeless shift dress, Lanvin countered mainstream fashion with this romantic, 18th century inspired silhouette. The wide skirts allowed her to display any number of eye-catching motifs such as those seen on this “Colombine” dress from 1924/25. IMAGES: 1/2.) Dress in the collection of @metcostumeinstitute, Carlotta Monterey photographed by Edward Steichen for Vogue, 1924. 3.) Dress in the collection of @palais_galliera. #JeanneLanvin #1924fashion #theartofdress #Lanvin #fashionhistory #hautecouture #theartofdresscomparison
