Antique 1910s Rococo Revival Evening Gown in Floral Lamé and Liquid Gold Silk with Ribbon Flowers and Lace Bell Sleeves, by Thurn Paris–New York, M - M/L

Majestic antique late 1910s Rococo Revival ballgown crafted in floral metallic gold lamé and luminous liquid gold silk, embodying the highly ornamental, theatrical spirit of 18th-century revival dress popular during the Belle Époque. Inspired by Rococo and late Baroque aesthetics—think Marie Antoinette–era fantasy filtered through early 20th-century couture—this gown is a striking example of historical costuming as wearable art.

The lavish effect begins with the luxurious floral lamé, ornate silk ribbon flowers edged in gold metallic trim, and the dramatic sculptural draping throughout the skirt. Delicate floral embroidered net lace forms the dramatic bell sleeves, trims the neckline, and is layered over the liquid gold silk at the hem.

The construction is especially interesting and complex. The bodice is composed of two separate elements: an under-dress and a V-shaped basque waist “vest” bodice that attaches beneath the left underarm with small hook-and-eye closures and extends up and over the shoulders. The bell sleeves are part of the under-dress. The over-bodice vest is boned at the seams and weighted with two round covered weights at the back V point and three at the front, allowing the garment to drape and hang correctly.

The skirt is exceptional, featuring dramatic upswept draping, particularly at the back. The front opens at center to reveal a liquid gold silk underskirt adorned with breathtaking multicolor silk ribbon flowers and finished with net lace at the hem. The under-dress fastens with hook-and-eye closures down the front center, with snaps enclosing the top of the gold silk skirt. An interior grosgrain waistband is labeled by Thurn Paris New York, a respected Belle Époque dressmaking firm known to collaborate with French couturiers. Several gowns by Thurn are represented in museum collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Please note: the front and back draped sections have been lightly stuffed with tissue in photographs to better illustrate the volume and sculptural shaping. This gown was likely intended to be worn with a bustle or panniers to further enhance the dramatic Rococo-inspired silhouette.

Best fit: Modern M–M/L (please refer to measurements)

Dress measurements
Bust: 36–37"
Inner grosgrain waistband: 30"
Dress waist: 33"
Hip: Free
Length: 54"
Shoulder width: 14"
Sleeve length: 14 1/2"–17 1/2" (varies due to lace points)

Over-bodice vest measurements
Bust: 38"
Waist: 32–33"
Length: 17 1/4" (side) to 23" (front point)

Shown on a dress form with a 37" bust and 27" waist.

Condition: Very Good / wearable with minor, age-appropriate flaws.

Over-bodice vest: Very Good. A few breaks and areas of darkening to lace trim. Pale pink net trimming the front bustline is extremely fragile and could easily be removed if desired.

Dress: Very Good. Some staining to the under-bodice and dark hand stitches at the nape with a small seam opening below. A discoloration ring is present at the right side of the gold silk skirt, along with two faint pink marks. The back has a hole that is fully concealed by a long draped section of floral metallic gold lamé. The lace hem trimming has a missing portion at the front right side. Minor darkened areas of lamé are present, most noticeable at the back right waist.

Please enlarge photos carefully and feel free to email with questions regarding condition. Despite these issues, the gown is visually breathtaking and presents beautifully, whether worn for historical costuming or displayed as a theatrical couture artifact.

Enjoy!

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