History Delphos gown

purple silk peplos sleeves. pff collection

working out of 13th-century venetian palazzo, fortuny, spanish-born artist turned textile designer, produced garments novelist marcel proust declared faithfully antique markedly original . delphos deliberate reference chiton of ancient greece , meant worn without undergarments, since chiton form of underwear, radical suggestion during years of 20th century.

fortuny became famous pleated dresses, delphos , related peplos . exact method of pleating closely guarded secret involving heat, pressure , ceramic rods, has never been replicated. on both types of dresses, glass murano beads strung on silk cord along each side seam. beads serve functional purpose being decorative, weigh down lightweight silk of garment ensure smooth fit enhancing natural, uncorseted human form beneath. construction of delphos became own decoration. although delphos became formal wear, lauren bacall wearing vintage red delphos 1978 oscars, intended informal clothing or tea gown wearing solely in privacy of home.

delphos gowns imported paris couturier paul poiret, , fashion house babani sold them actresses such eleonora duse.

elena vestida con túnica amarilla joaquín sorolla, 1909. elena sorolla garcia in yellow delphos.