Gold Dresses Kaleidoscope

25.05.2015

3 1 minute read

Portrait of Maria Serra Pallavicino in gold dress. 1606. Artist Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640). Gold Dresses Kaleidoscope — Portrait of Maria Serra Pallavicino. 1606. Artist Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640). Gold Dresses Kaleidoscope

Gold Dresses Kaleidoscope
Dresses with threads of precious metals are very heavy, taking into account the mantle plume of any coronation dress. It’s hard even to imagine how difficult it was to wear them. Nevertheless, almost all the coronation gowns include fabric with metallic threads and were decorated with real gold and silver embroidery.
In the XX century, there were two periods when the metallic threads and Lurex were very much in fashion. First – in the late 60’s and early 70’s, second – in the late 80-early 90’s. Silver and gold, glitter and lurex were periodically in and out of fashion, and now there is a return of interest in metallic texture in a suit, shoes and accessories.

Barbara Streisand in 1969 'Hello, Dolly!' — Barbara Streisand in 1969 ‘Hello, Dolly!’

Shimmering gold gown worn by Barbara Streisand in 1969 'Hello, Dolly!', costume designer Irene Sharaff — Shimmering gold gown worn by Barbara Streisand in 1969 ‘Hello, Dolly!’, costume designer Irene Sharaff

The delicate patterns and beading can be seen on these gold dresses. The elaborate stitching and shimmering crystals and beads add elements of intricacy. Final touch to the pieces features gold-leaf embroidery, making the models look like they’re walking out of an enchanted forest.