KCI Digital Archive

THE KYOTO COSTUME INSTITUTE

Collections 1910s

Zoom

©The Kyoto Costume Institute, photo by Taishi Hirokawa

Evening Dress

c. 1909

Designer: 
Callot Sœurs
Brand: 
Callot Sœurs
Label: 
Callot Soeurs MARQUE MODE DÉPOSÉS, Paris
Material: 
Black silk charmeuse, chiffon, and lace; lace fabric hanging from shoulder; silk satin belt; fake jet ornamentation.

This high-waist empire-style dress, represents the transition of fashion from the S-shaped silhouette shortly before this period to a simple silhouette. However, looking into its structure, the dress incorporates bones to support the silhouette from inside, just as in the women's dresses of the 19th century.
House of Callot sisters opened in Paris in 1895. Mrs. Gerber, the elder of sisters, acted as the chief designer. They achieved popularity by producing elaborate handwork incorporating lace and embroidery.

Inventory Number(s): AC10339 2000-25-1AB