Three evening dresses

Madeleine Vionnet (1876 - 1975)

The Bowes Museum

1929-1938

Three evening dresses by Madeleine Vionnet who is considered one of the 20th century's most accomplished couturiers. 1) Floor length dress with blue and red poppies printed on chiffon (main illustration); 2) Gold coloured tulle dress embroidered with pale coloured silk floss and gold thread; 3) Black Chantilly lace gown with applique black velvet bows. Dresses from the collection have been purchased by three museums: Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle; Fashion Museum, Bath and the V&A, London. Andrew Macdonald, Acting Director of the Art Fund, said: 'These exquisite dresses reveal the astonishing cut and design of Madeleine Vionnet's haute couture. Her innovative construction techniques and skilled manipulation of fabric have inspired many of today's leading fashion designers. Sharing the collection between the three museums is a wonderful way of allowing more people to see Vionnet's distinctive style as well as the sumptuous tastes of Lady Foley and the Art Fund is thrilled to have helped save them for the nation.'

• Medium: silk tulle, printed chiffon, crepe de chine, satin, chantilly lace & velvet
• Dimensions: length: 117-150cm
• Art Fund Grant: £59017 ( Total: £125,017; Export stopped)
• ArtFunded in: 2009
• Vendor: Through Titi Halle Cora Ginsburg LLC

Provenance

Lady Foley; by descent; private collection, 1973.

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