Evening dress 1890 - 1900

This evening dress was made by the House of Worth in the late 19th century, utilizing silk, lace, and velvet ribbons. These materials were typical of high-end garments at the time, but the real story lies in the making. The elaborate construction, with its multiple layers of fabric, intricate floral patterns, and delicate lace detailing, speaks to the immense amount of labor involved. Consider all the steps required: the weaving of the silk, the application of the floral design, the knotting of lace, the cutting and sewing of the fabric, not to mention all the fitting. The House of Worth was the first to use a production line, so we can see how this gown represents a moment in the history of fashion, when the hand-made techniques and materials were being transformed by industrial methods, and the elite classes were beginning to adopt mass-produced designs, but still wanted to feel as though they were exclusive. Recognizing this, we understand the significance of the dress, and challenge divisions between art, craft, and industrial design.