Tuesday, May 15, 2012

History's Runway: The Stiebel Taffeta Gown , 1955



Evening Dress
Victor Stiebel, 1955
This and all related images from:
The Victoria & Albert Museum




The London Social Calendar dictated fashion for centuries—so much so that later periodicals such as British Vogue and Harper's Bazaar showcased certain London designers’ collections with the social calendar in mind. Events such as the Royal Garden Party, Goodwood, Wimbledon, Ascot and Cowes, coming-out dances and summer balls dictated who wore what and when.

This dress of striped turquoise and white silk taffeta, overlaid with matching blue, wild silk organza was said to have been worn by Lady Diana Herbert for a 1955 ball at Wilton House and reflects the designer Victor Stiebel's (1907-76) interest updated historical styles of dress.

The celestial gown  is strapless with a full-length flaring skirt that is trimmed from knee to hem with a deep flounce. The blue organza is draped over both the bodice and the skirt and caught up at the center back to suggest a bustle.







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