1920s French Theatre Costume Dress Black Velvet Pink Silver Gold Geometric Gaston Zanel Folies Bergere Floral Applique

1920s French theatre costume dress. designed by Gaston Zanel for the costume house Aristide Boyer, Marseille. Black velvet upper bodice and a satin skirt section. The fabric seems like a perhaps a synthetic blend. Appliqué pink fabric in organic floral motif designs have been applied to the skirt, central bodice and sleeves. This is trimmed with gold metal ribbon swirls. Gold metallic thread circles decorate the center of the skirt. Crochet trim at the collar and cuffs. Fastens up the back with metal hook and eyes. Bodice is lined in cotton, skirt is not lined.

An incredible design reminiscent of Ballets Russe costumes. I had one dress from this series which had the label for Zanel alongside the theatre stamp and so this is how I know for certain that this is his design. This dress just has the theatre costumier stamp.

A chance to own a true wearable treasure!

Gaston Zanel designed for French theatre during the jazz age and then later for Hollywood. Deisgner costumes for Josephine Baker in Zou Zou and Princess Tam Tam.

Measures: 17 1/2” underarm to underarm (best fits up to a 34” bust), 13” across the waist (best fits up to a 26” waist), 13” shoulders, 22” sleeves, 50 1/2” long from collar to hem

Condition: this has many fraying areas with loose threads at the edges of the appliqué fabric. Also a couple of areas where the edge of this has come unstitched. At the side of the skirt is one snag as shown. One area of crochet is damaged as shown on the cuff. Presents beautifully despite its imperfections.

Feel free to ask any questions.

Ships internationally via insured delivery.