All Photos By Gail

The La Sylphide Gown, designed by Charles James, was worn by Miss Esme O’Brien when she came out as a New York debutante in 1937 (a sylph is a lovely, slim young woman or girl).

Made from off-white silk organza and satin, with grosgrain ribbon and silk roses, it features a boned corselette bodice, and was designed in the neo-romantic style, which took inspiration from late 19th century fashion.

Many of James’s silhouettes have been likened to flowers, but his use of artificial blooms was rare.

Photographed at the Museum at FIT in Manhattan as Part of the Exhibit Ravishing, The Rose in Fashion, On View Through November 28th, 2021.