Ball gown
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A ball gown, ballgown or gown is a type of
History
1850s
In previous years, the same type of dress might have been called an evening dress, having very similar features; low-cut neckline, a tight bodice, a large skirt and (sometimes) bare arms.[2] The ball gown at this time had similar features, a full skirt supported by a petticoat, a tight waist achieved by a corset or bodice with a stay to keep the subject upright and with perfect posture, off the shoulder style and with bare arms.[3]
In the coming years, the introduction of the sewing machine changed the dress market. Middle-class people could now produce their own dresses and with more quality and efficiency than before when they were made by hand. Upper class members of society might still have had their dresses made by a designer but with the turn around time decreased.[3] Around this time was also the introduction of chemical dyes.[3] This dramatically changed the range of colors that dresses could be produced in. This time was encompassed within the Romantic period, which coincided with the Victorian era. During this time the crinoline was introduced as well as demure sleeves, which puffed up around the arm.[3]
1860–1864
Skirts had developed an overall bell shape but with extra fullness at the back.[3]
1865–1867
Skirts lost their front shape and were altered to lay more flat against the body while the sides and back gained fullness with pleating techniques. Oftentimes a long train was attached to the back of the skirt.[3]
1868–1878
For the next 10 years the fullness in the back of the skirts increased further with the use of the bustle.[3]
1878–1884
The bustle went out of style because it was not needed anymore for the fullness in the back of the dress. The material instead was gathered and fell down the back which ended with a long train.[3]
1890–1900
The hourglass shape emerged which was known for a narrow waist. It was achieved by having a cone-shaped skirt that was narrow at the waist and gained fullness near the bottom.[3]
After the end of World War II, in 1947, Christian Dior introduced his "New Look" of nipped-in waistlines and full skirts.
1950s
Previously, ball gowns were worn for private events and parties, but in the mid-20th century, private events turned into public ones. As the century progressed, traditional events became less important while ones like charity events took their place. In 21st century culture, galas and red carpet events are showcases for extravagant gowns to be in the public eye. In Britain, when Elizabeth II terminated formal court events in 1957, the more public events, like a charity ball, arose in popularity because they were open to anyone who could afford to buy a ticket.[4]
Designer dresses were typically part of a designer's collection, having them altered for the wearer. Designers need to know where a dress will be worn to avoid two people from matching.[4] But if the original wearer decides to wear the dress to another event afterwards, the possibility of matching is increased. In modern times, designers must understand that their pieces of work will be criticized and also praised as a result of the internet and paparazzi.
Gallery
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The gown on the far right is an accurate representation of one that would be worn in 1880.
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"Hourglass" shape of 1890
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Eva Perón wearing a gown by Christian Dior, 1950
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Two Jean Dessès ball gowns, 1951
Culture
The first forms of the 21st century term “
The traditional ideals of the debutante ball vary based on location in the United States. The debutantes in New Orleans could be seen wearing jeweled crowns and dresses with Medici collars with elongated trains. Texas has variations within its various regions. In Laredo, middle class debutantes wear beaded suede garments. In San Antonio, the dresses are of elaborate colors and covered in beads of different designs. The beads add extensive weight having some dresses weigh in at about 75 lbs.[5] Another coming of age event is the quinceañera, an event in Latin American cultures when a girl turns 15. Their gowns are often very brightly colored and resemble traditional ball gowns with very full ruffled or ruched skirts.[5]
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Quinceanera photo from Santa Fe, New Mexico
First Ladies Collection
In 1912,
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Helen Taft's ball gown
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Mamie Eisenhower's ball gown
See also
- Ball (dance)
- Ballerina skirt
- Crinoline
- Clothing terminology
- Dress codes
References
- ^ a b Hegland, Jane; Steele, Valerie (2010). The Berg Companion to Fashion. Bloomsbury Academic. pp. 45–47.
- ^ Hegland, Jane (2010). Evening Dress. Oxford: Bloomsbury Academic. pp. 265–267.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Schwartz, Jessica (2016). Clothing and Fashion: American Fashion from Head. ABC-CLIO.
- ^ a b "Ballgowns: About the Exhibition". Victoria and Albert Museum. 26 November 2012. Retrieved 1 November 2017.
- ^ a b c Haynes, Michaele (2010). The Berg Companion to Fashion. Bloomsbury Academic. pp. 204–206.
- ^ a b "- The Tradition of the Gowns". National Museum of American History. 4 April 2012. Archived from the original on 2017-03-08. Retrieved 2017-11-16.
Further reading
- Wallace, Carol McD.; et al. (1986). Dance: a very social history. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. ISBN 9780870994869.