SMITHSONIAN

Cream Silk Taffeta Tiered Evening Gown

1990s · 1960s · American

Designer

Ann Lowe

Production

haute couture

Material

silk taffeta

Culture

American

Movement

Supermodel Era

Influences

1950s New Look silhouette · Southern belle ball gown tradition

This sleeveless evening gown features a fitted bodice with a deep scoop neckline and a dramatically tiered skirt that extends to floor length. The cream-colored silk taffeta construction showcases multiple horizontal tiers of ruffled fabric, each layer creating dimensional volume through gathered pleating. The bodice appears to be darted for a close fit through the torso, while the skirt expands into a full silhouette typical of 1960s formal wear. Delicate trim or ribbon details accent the waistline and tier divisions. The construction demonstrates sophisticated couture techniques in the precise alignment of the ruffled tiers and the smooth transition from fitted bodice to voluminous skirt, reflecting the era's emphasis on structured formal wear.

dressa-linescoop neckfloor length

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