Evening dress 1895 - 1896

This evening dress, made by the House of Worth, is a striking example of late nineteenth-century couture. The dress presents a visual study in contrasts, structured around the interplay between the smooth, reflective expanses of satin and the intricate, dark embroidery. Notice the pronounced hourglass silhouette, achieved through a tightly cinched waist and voluminous bust and sleeves. The dress is divided into distinct zones of visual interest: the puffed sleeves, the ornate bodice, the smooth skirt and the floral waistline, each contributing to an overall impression of controlled opulence. The dark embroidery traces the garment's structure, defining its shape and adding depth through linear patterns and the arrangement of visual motifs. This ornamentation doesn't just decorate; it articulates the very architecture of the dress, drawing attention to its formal construction. The dress challenges conventional ideas about the body, transforming it into a highly stylized form, reflecting broader cultural values and ideas about beauty and status.