1912 Worth Haute Couture Beaded Butterfly Motif Silk Gown & Headpiece

ID: 0605232

Size: small

Condition: Good

An absolutely magically and incredibly rare museum worthy House of Worth by Jean-Philippe Worth haute couture butterfly motif Art Nouveau trained gown and matching metal headpiece dating back to 1912. This elaborate gown was custom commissioned by Princess Margaret Draper Boncompagni, a woman of great wealth and importance. For at least ten years prior to his father's death, Jean-Philippe designed alongside Charles. Paul Poiret considered Jean-Philippe to be a more creative couturier than his famous father. This wonderfully expressive example of Art Nouveau haute couture artistry belongs in a museum or serious fashion collection. Only a handful of his garments this magnificent have ever appeared on the open market; most are located in institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s costume collection and the Palais Galleria in Paris. The gown, an ethereal representation of a butterfly, is fashioned in luxurious ivory silk charmeuse beneath a heavily decorated overlay. The whole ensemble has a wonderful Art Nouveau feel to it reminiscent of the graphic artworks of Alphonse Mucha, Frank Xavier Leyendecker, and Raffaele Tafuri. The flattering shape really allows one to appreciate the brilliant textures. A high cummerbund with open angel sleeves trimmed in jet black beaded tassels is so alluring! I especially love the cutaway lavishly embroidered overskirt decorated in the manner of large wings. This elaborate gown must have been custom commissioned by someone of great wealth and importance. We added many pictures so you can appreciate the unbelievable novelty insert beadwork which took months to complete. The sensational ombré wings are hand beaded in silk over a buckram under-structure. The matching impressive headdress is done in the same manner, mounted on a strong headband. This is such a beautiful piece of fashion history that will instantly become a favorite in your collection.

Measurements
Bust: 34 inches
Waist: 26 inches
Total Length (not including train): 60 inches

This iconic and highly coveted 1912 House of Worth haute couture butterfly gown presents beautifully but does have issues to note. Though the silk is strong, the nude net overlay and chiffon is tearing in places and will need additional restoration. As shown there are a few lighter discoloration marks to the chiffon in back. The butterfly wings will also need to be properly reattached. Please message for additional pictures. The level of work in this piece would only be found in the highest couture of today. Museum worthy. This ensemble is over 100 years old yet reads so incredibly modern.