Ephemeral Elegance

Corded and Sequined Velvet Fancy Dress Bolero, ca. 1870

House of Worth

via Whitaker Auctions

Figured Silk Lignette Pagoda Sleeved Dress, ca. 1854

via The Met

Silk Embroidered Uncut Velvet Suit, ca. 1780s

via MFA

Beaded Crepe de Chine Evening Dress, 1960

Fernanda Gattinoni

via Palazzo Pitti Costume Gallery

Tone-on-Tone Bustle Dress, ca. 1885

Emile Pingat

via The Met

Ruffled Dress with Satin Sash, 1965

Yves Saint Laurent

Owned by Nan Kempner

via Whitaker Auctions

Lace and Velvet Petersham, ca. 1900

Callot Soeurs

via Augusta Auctions

Embroidered Velvet Evening Dress, ca. 1898

House of Worth

via The Met