Dress Ensemble, Worn by Elizabeth Parke Firestone, 1955-1956

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Artifact Overview

The fabric used in this mid-1950s dress recalls the influence of Chinoiserie -- fanciful European interpretations of Chinese motifs and styles popular during the 17th and 18th centuries. The fabric's floral design is reminiscent of late 18th-century hand-painted Chinese export fabric. Parisian couturier Cristobal Balenciaga made this ensemble for Elizabeth Parke Firestone, wife of tire magnate Harvey S. Firestone, Jr.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Dress (Garment)

Date Made

1955-1956

Place of Creation

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

89.492.393

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Mrs. Harvey Firestone, Jr.

Material

Taffeta
Silk (Textile)
Organza

Technique

Hand-painted

Color

Green
Blue
Yellow (Color)
Ivory (Color)
Pink (Color)

Inscriptions

Label: BALENCIAGA/10 AVENUE GEORGE V/PARIS. Order# 38711.
Dress Ensemble, Worn by Elizabeth Parke Firestone, 1955-1956