Promenade dress 1898 - 1899

This promenade dress was made by Jennings & Company and is now held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The dress speaks to the fashion trends and social customs of its time. It's likely turn-of-the-century, when the burgeoning upper and middle classes embraced increasingly elaborate forms of dress. The dress’s design and materials, like velvet and lace, indicate a culture of leisure and display. Promenade dresses were designed to be seen, to show off the wearer's wealth and status during public strolls. The dress’s detailing creates meaning through a visual language of status and femininity. Understanding this garment means looking at historical records such as fashion plates, advertisements, and social diaries to better understand the values and behaviours of the time. The dress is a reminder that art, even in clothing, is always contingent on its social and institutional context.