Dress 1896 - 1899

Editor: We're looking at "Dress," created sometime between 1896 and 1899. It's at the Met and appears to be constructed from various textiles. What strikes me most is the juxtaposition of textures – the smoothness of the skirt fabric against the ornate lace collar and the rich velvet corset. What do you make of the formal elements at play here? Curator: The success of this garment lies significantly in its orchestration of line and form. Observe how the verticality of the skirt elongates the figure, countered by the horizontal emphasis of the lace collar. This juxtaposition creates a dynamic tension. Note also how the texture of the primary fabric mediates the deep tone of the dark, central panel. This panel visually sculpts the dress, reinforcing the fashionable silhouette of the era. Editor: I hadn’t considered how the vertical lines are offset by the horizontal collar – it almost creates a sense of visual balance despite the differences in texture. Curator: Precisely. Moreover, consider the puff sleeves and their contribution to the overall form. Their fullness echoes the broader skirt, establishing a visual rhythm and harmony. The garment adheres to particular proportions, demonstrating the structural coherence that defines good design, irrespective of its period. Editor: So, you are looking at it from a purely design perspective? Curator: Not exclusively, but primarily through the formal relationships presented within the textile arrangement. We decode aesthetic intentions and evaluate visual efficacy by way of rigorous examination and considered understanding of proportion and form. What we have is a garment adhering to definite standards in dressmaking, which provides insight into the values of the time it was constructed in. Editor: That’s a different lens than I would have considered. Thank you, I will try to think this way as well! Curator: You're most welcome. It has been my pleasure.