Thursday, May 5, 2011

The Daily Dress: Balmain Couture

This dress is perfect for today because you can completely see its foundation garment. Designed by Pierre Balmain circa 1955, this is a lovely evening dress made of embroidered silk grosgrain with a linen lining and supported by boning and silk tulle. The boned petticoat was a separate garment (rather than being attached to the inside of the dress, as with a corselet). I saw these garments on display in the Golden Age of Couture Exhibit, and they were each as beautiful as the other.

When worn together, as intended, you can see how the two garments complete each other. The sheer insets on the embroidered dress allow the airy petticoat to show through in a tasteful way.
 The petticoat was made of boned silk net, rather than the cotton net I posted about earlier today.
It's not too unusual to see patterns from the 50s for this type of strapless petticoat. Wouldn't it be gorgeous under a sheer or lace dress with a boat neck and little sleeves?
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11 comments:

  1. SarahMay 5, 2011 at 4:41 PM

    It's beautiful! I'd love to see a dress like this in real life - the quality of construction & attention to detail is amazing! It would put my dressmaking skills to shame :)

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  2. EdithMay 5, 2011 at 5:33 PM

    love it!

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  3. Molly Katherine HarriesMay 5, 2011 at 5:56 PM

    I am so pleased you blogged about this dress! I have had it saved on my computer for about a year, without knowing who's creation it was - and a stunning stunning creation at that! You can image my joy when you post popped up and answered my questions! thanks!

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  4. PaulaMay 5, 2011 at 7:40 PM

    This dress is amazing - how I would LOVE to make something of such beauty!!

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  5. a little sewingMay 5, 2011 at 8:11 PM

    oh, this would be such a treat to sew and wear. I wonder if there is any age-appropriate version for me. This type of petticoat under a a boat-neck dress with little sleeves - it makes me a little weak in the knees.

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  6. dloganMay 5, 2011 at 11:45 PM

    My mother use to wear Balmain perfume, and I can still smell that lovely scent........D

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  7. Miss Betty DollMay 6, 2011 at 6:55 AM

    I would love to see that foundation garment in a satin and as a dress. It would be lovely :) Maybe with a bow added at sweetheart neckline.

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  8. Alex B.May 6, 2011 at 8:44 AM

    I. Need. This. Petticoat. I just HAPPEN to have a sheer printed silk 1950s silhouette dress that needs an undergarment... (based on Vintage Vogue's V2903) I have a lot of thinking to do on how to appropriate this petticoat with no waistline... I think that bustline seam is the ticket!

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  9. Wang's FactoryMay 6, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    I love looking at pieces like these in real life, it's so fascinating

    www.wangsfactory.blogspot.com

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  10. MeganMay 6, 2011 at 2:07 PM

    Two words: I want.

    Both of those are beautiful. My new mission is to put aside the dress I was about to start and make this.

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  11. AmelieNoMoriMay 9, 2011 at 1:16 PM

    It would be gorgeous indeed! The version with straps could also make a pretty little summer dress in the appropriate fabric.
    This dress is totally amazing!

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Thanks for your comments; I read each and every one! xo Gertie

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