KCIDigital Archives

The KCI Digital Archives on the KCI website presents image and text information for the objects in the collection, arranged in chronological order.

Ball Gown

© The Kyoto Costume Institute, photo by Takashi Hatakeyama

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Ball Gown

c. 1894

Designer
Charles-Frederick Worth
Brand
Worth
Label
PARIS C. WORTH PARIS
Inventory Number(s)
AC9259 95-37-1

Large sleeve characterize this dress. From around 1890, sleeves began swelling to such sizes that one may say it was the return of gigot sleeves. These large sleeves were called "elephant sleeves," and they reached their maximum size around 1895. Thirteen bones line this piece's bodice. Though presently missing, there is a trace where the chiffon decoration has adhered in the upper part of the front skirt, it seems this glamorous dress was appropriate for a ball gown of the upper class who were customer of the House of Worth.

1890s