This evening dress is cut on the straight – rather unusual for Vionnet at that time. Made of oyster-white silk crepe, it is overlaid with a draped fringe that flows over the body and cascades down the side, giving a most alluring and chic touch.

The original design of this waistcoat, in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, was acquired by that institution along with several volumes of Garthwaite's designs, and was published in articles by Peter Thornton and Natalie Rothstein on the Huguenot silk-weaving industry in London.  The marvel of this original design is that it identifies not only the artist but also the weaver, Peter Lekeux, and gives the date of sale -- October 23, 1747 -- as well.  In addition, the metal threads to be used in the weaving are described: "dark yellow plate" (a plain, metal strip); "light yellow plain" (a metal strip wound around a silk or linen core); and "grey frosted" (a textured thread that sparkles).  Both Garthwaite and Peter Lekeux were important contributors to the English silk industry in the Spitalfields area of London.

1701 / 1725, United Kingdom

1701 / 1725, United Kingdom