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Reception or dinner dress

Designed by: Charles Frederick Worth (English (active in France), about 1825–1895)
For: House of Worth (French, 1858–1956)
French (Paris)
about 1883
Object Place: Paris, France

Medium/Technique Silk damask, satin, and plain weave (taffeta), trimmed with glass beads and metallic yarn gimp, with silk fringe and machine-made lace
Dimensions Center Back (bodice): 69.8 cm (27 1/2 in.)
Center Back (skirt): 177.5 cm (69 7/8 in.)
Credit Line Gift of Mrs. Robert Homans
Accession Number46.199a-b
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsCostumes

DescriptionDark purplish red silk with tulip figure; bodice with long V in lower center front, elbow-length sleeves, peplum tabs lower center back, neck and sleeves trimmed with ruffles and lace, front and sleeves trimmed with repeat of cone motif in dark colored beads and metal braid; skirt center front panel of red ribbed silk with same embroidery as bodice and red silk and colored bead fringe; most of fullness of skirt and soft pleats and puff center back, train edged with dark red silk pleated ruffle.
ProvenancePurchased in Paris between 1858 - 1861 by the parents of Fanny Crowninshield, (Mrs. John Quincy Adams II), (1839 - 1911), Boston [see note 1]; 1911, by descent to her daughter, Mrs. Robert Homans, Boston; 1946, gift of Mrs. Homans to MFA [see note 2]. (Accession date: February 14, 1946)

NOTES:
[1] See "Fashion Show: Paris Style," Boston: MFA, 2006, pg. 59-60.
[2] In 1943, the MFA received eleven dresses from Mrs. Homans which were originally worn by her mother. Two were designed by Mme. Roger, Paris, the other nine, (including this example), by the House of Worth, Paris.