Cocktail dress
Jean Dessés originally travelled to Paris from Egypt to study law and diplomacy; however, he soon discovered that his true passion was designing. He opened his own couture house in Paris in 1937 and became known for his characteristic twists and gathers which he magically executed on a variety of fabrics. Considered his best work are his evening dresses of chiffon, which have the appearance of classical sculpture. He favored ombré fabrics and colors other than black, such as Wedgwood blue, old rose, taupe, eggplant, green, brown, pale grays, faint pinks, and whites.
This cocktail dress represents a classic silhouette popularized in the nineteen-fifties. The portrait collar is extremely feminizing, framing the face and neck. The skirt is unique, as it is lightly draped at back, accented by a large patch pocket placed at the right back hip.
This cocktail dress represents a classic silhouette popularized in the nineteen-fifties. The portrait collar is extremely feminizing, framing the face and neck. The skirt is unique, as it is lightly draped at back, accented by a large patch pocket placed at the right back hip.
Artwork Details
- Title: Cocktail dress
- Designer: Attributed to Jean Dessès (French (born Egypt), Alexandria 1904–1970 Athens)
- Date: ca. 1952
- Culture: French
- Medium: silk
- Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Dorothy Baden Stamm, 1963
- Object Number: 2009.300.328a, b
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
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Attributed to Jean Dessès (French (born Egypt), Alexandria 1904–1970 Athens)
ca. 1950
Jean Dessès (French (born Egypt), Alexandria 1904–1970 Athens)
1953
Jean Dessès (French (born Egypt), Alexandria 1904–1970 Athens)
1949
Jean Dessès (French (born Egypt), Alexandria 1904–1970 Athens)
early 1950s
Jean Dessès (French (born Egypt), Alexandria 1904–1970 Athens)
1949
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