The over-the-top expression of opulence seen in this ball gown worn by a prominent member of the Astor family is a testament to the degree of ostentation required at certain events in order to stand out from the crowd. The dense sequin and bead embroidery on the gown would have created a beautiful shimmering effect. The donors Orme Wilson (1885-1966) and R. Thornton Wilson (1923-1995) were great-great grandsons of fur trader and entrepreneur John Jacob Astor (1763-1848). The ball gown may have been worn by their mother, Caroline Schermerhorn Astor Wilson (1861-1948), daughter of William Backhouse Astor, Jr. (1830-1892) and Caroline Webster Schermerhorn (1830-1908), who was popularly known at "the" Mrs. Astor.
