Butterfly
ca. 1955
Materials
silk, synthetic, metal
House / label
Charles James
Collection
ca. 1955
Archive reference
The Metropolitan Museum of Art · 2013.591
Behind the design
The Butterfly gown combines a narrow, elongated torso with a large sweep of tulle behind the body. The Met explains that James layered transparent material in different colors to create depth and shimmer. The original owner recalled finding the gown surprisingly comfortable despite its eight-pound weight and substantial volume at the back.
