Ephemeral Elegance

Silk Velvet Afternoon Dress, ca. 1885-88

Gowan and Strachan

via National Museum Scotland

Embellished Satin Gown, 1967-1968

Valentino

via Elle

Leather Trimmed Satin Heels with Rhinestone Studs, ca. 1926-33

Bob, Inc., N.Y.

via The Met

Sweater, Skirt, and Blouse, 1958

Worn by Kim Novak in Vertigo

Designed by Edith Head

via unknown

Silk Poke Bonnet, ca. 1830

via The Met

Peplum Halter Gown, ca. 1977

Madame Grès

via de Young Museum

Crinkled Silk Cocktail Dress, ca. early 1960s

Cristobal Balenciaga

via The Met

Fringe Trimmed Silk Velvet Day Dress, ca. 1855-57

via V&A

China Silk and Chemical Lace Tea Gown, ca. 1898

via Augusta Auctions

Belted Coat, ca. 1960s

André Courrèges

via Kerry Taylor Auctions

Festoon Hemmed Velvet Evening Gown, ca. 1830s

via Augusta Auctions

Snakeskin and Imitation Suede Heels and Handbag, 1944

Owens and Elmes

via Bata Shoe Museum

Beaded and Embroidered Evening Dress, ca. 1925

Callot Soeurs

via Goldstein Museum

Metallic Embroidered Silk Charmeuse Evening Dress, ca. 1928

Callot Soeurs

via Chicago History Museum

Arsenic Dyed Evening Dress, ca. 1860-65

via Glennis Murphy Collection

Printed Silk Foulard Afternoon Dress, ca. 1902

via Augusta Auctions

Silk Brocade Robe a l’Anglaise, ca. 1780

via National Trust Collections