Evening coat House of Worth. Jean-Philippe Worth. Ca. 1902. French. Silk. This dramatic coat is very indicative of the Art Nouveau style which was popular at the turn of the century. The sinuous curves of the textile and the symmetrical seaming make this exemplary of the House of Worth's design aesthetic which was well retained throughout its run. | THE MET
Evening dress Raoul Lafontan, 1900–1903, French, silk. While little is known about the designer of this dress, Raoul Lafontan, the spectacular manipulation of the fabric on view in this example is a testament to his skill and creativity. The pleating of the striped textile to create the skirt of the dress produced an outstanding visual effect of ribbons applied to the surface of the skirt. This pleating technique would have required much time and labor to accomplish. The same treatment at the back of the dress, combined with the shirred chiffon, gives drama whether the gown is seen from the front or the back. These details and the overall quality of the construction of the dress indicate Lafontan was a talented French couturier, however enigmatic. | THE MET
Evening dress House of Worth (French, 1858–1956) Designer: Jean-Philippe Worth (French, 1856–1926) Date: 1902 Culture: French Medium: silk, rhinestones, metal | THE MET
