Ephemeral Elegance

Silk Evening Dress, ca. 1865

via Cincinnati Art Museum

Cotton Seaside Dress, ca. 1872

via V&A

Woven Silk Faille and Satin Afternoon Dress, ca. 1885

via LACMA

Velvet and Silk Wedding Dress, 1885

via Museum of London

Appliqued Silk Chiffon Evening Dress, 1921

A.T. Rogers

via Cincinnati Art Museum

Silk Faille and Velvet Dress with Tatted Lace Inserts, ca. 1875

Worn by Mrs. Thomas W. Evans

via Philadelphia Museum of Art

Sequined Dress, fall/winter 1938-39

Elsa Schiaparelli

via FIDM

Satin, Chiffon, and Lace Dress, ca. 1907-10

via Les Arts Decoratifs

Satin Grounded Figured Velvet Suit, 1913

Worn to the inauguration of President Wilson in Washington D.C., March 1913

via Fashion History Museum of Ontario

Silver Embroidered Silk Damask Court Mantua, ca. 1730-40

via Tredegar Collection

Velvet Trimmed Evening Bodice, ca. 1860

via The Barrington House

Fringe Trimmed Wedding Dress, 1868

via The Met

Sequined Evening Gown with Fishtail Hem, 1909

Callot Soeurs

via The Gregg Museum

Silk Taffeta Gown with Changeable Bodice, ca. 1860

via Sarah Elizabeth Gallery Antiques

Beaded Satin Party Dress, ca. mid 1950s

Elizabeth Arden

via Augusta Auctions

Lace Trimmed Evening Gown, ca. 1848

via Powerhouse Museum

Wool Day Dress with Embroidered Silk Trim, ca. 1850

via National Museum of Norway