c. 1958

Woman's Evening Dress

Jean Dessès was famous for sculptural, deftly draped evening gowns said to have been inspired by his Greek ancestry. While he often worked with supple chiffon, this example uses raspberry red lace yardage and ruffles to great effect. Bust ruffles and drapery on the bodice and short front skirt converge in deep V shapes at the back waist; from this point tiers of ruffles descend down the skirt back, forming a diagonal hem, a late 1950s fashion trend.