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1913 Evening dress of Vera Karakhan by House of Paul Poiret

velvet, tulle, silver lace, galloon, silk and metallic threads, polychrome bugles, beads, imitation pearls, silk flowers

Cyclamen (undated) by Anton Hartinger (1806 – 1890).

Watercolour.

Giuseppe Mentessi (Italian, 1857-1931)

Friedrich Krepp (Austrian, 1829-post 1872)

Ensemble

Sophie Gimbel

c.1955

Sophie Gimbel’s tailoring skills are apparent in this meticulously pieced ensemble worn by socialite Elizabeth Parke Firestone. Considered in the 1950s to be one of the best-dressed women in the world, Firestone possessed an astute awareness of the fabrics, colors, and styles that suited her best. She left no detail unattended, commissioning Parisian firms for the majority of her wardrobe and supplementing it with items from the American Salon Moderne. Celebrated by Cecil Beaton and other fashion photographers of the day, Firestone was said to be radiant in pinks and blues, and most of her clothing was made in these shades. This white ensemble is a particularly rare item in her wardrobe.