This dress always brings to mind the famous painting of Madame X by John Singer Sargent.  Although the bodice is not quite as revealing as the dress in the painting, it does have certain Victorian design elements in common with the dress worn by Madame Gautreau.

A fitted corset style bodice, a modified bustle, and a trained skirt with taffeta backed velvet ruffles, combine to make this a striking and unusual ballgown from the 1950's.  The boned bodice has wide straps, a V shaped neckline, and a matching V shaped seam at the waistline, all very reminiscent of Victorian styling.  The back of the fitted bodice wraps closed with hooks and eyes.

The full skirt has a ruffle edged panel in front, a ruffle edged bustle in the back, and more ruffles edging the trained hemline.  All of these ruffles are lined with taffeta, and hand sewn to the dress.  The entire dress is lined with black silk.  There is a center back metal zipper in the lining, and all of the seams are finished by hand.  The hemline of the petticoat is scalloped. 

Sadly, there is no label in this beautifully made dress, but aside from that disappointment, this glamorous ballgown is in pristine condition.

Item: F7-041
Price: $950.00

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