Evening ensemble

Arnold Scaasi, the designer of this ball gown, is best known for his evening wear designs, worn by a long list of celebrity clients primarily during the 1960s through the 1980s. Scaasi's work incorporates lavish surface decoration, often in the form of floral trimming, bright colors and full silhouettes that extend the proportions of the body. Scaasi creations are rarely easy to ignore; their ostentatious quality has become a signature of the designer's work. This example, from later in the designer's career, shows his fearless use of color in the juxtapositon of three different vibrant hues. Black piecework delineates the bodice, hem and wrap. Using a more neutral color in this way the designer ties the elements of the ensemble together, while still demonstrating bold color choices.