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.

Cocktail dress

© The Kyoto Costume Institute, photo by Takashi Hatakeyama

You can enlarge by putting the mouse cursor on the image.

Cocktail dress

c. 1955

Designer
Cristobal Balenciaga
Brand
Balenciaga
Label
BALENCIAGA 10 AVENUE GEORGE V. PARIS 52808 (handwriting)
Material
Pink silk taffeta ; white lace at hem.
Inventory Number(s)
AC5147 85-29-1AB

A beautiful silhouette is created by the silk taffeta skirt - supported by a hooped petticoat - and in which tucks have been made to reveal the lace below the hemline so that the fabric appears to entwine the wearer. The full skirt, reminiscent of mid-19th Century crinolines, was in vogue during the 1950s. An Haute Couture masterpiece that showcases the generous use of lightweight, beautifully colored taffeta.

1950s