French Masquerade Gown – 1914

Historical Context of the 1914 Costumes Parisiens Manon Theatre Gown

This exquisite hand-colored fashion plate from 1914, titled Manon, forms part of the celebrated French series Costumes Parisiens. The illustration, created by artist H. Robert Dammy, documents the deep connection between early twentieth-century high fashion and the performing arts, capturing a stylized revival gown designed for opera or theatrical society events just before the cultural shifts of the First World War.

Design Details of the Floral Pannier Gown and Striped Skirt

The print features a woman viewed from behind, modeling a dramatic gown inspired by historical eighteenth-century silhouettes. The ensemble displays an voluminous cream-colored pannier overskirt decorated with orange floral motifs and ruffled trims, layered over a bold black and white vertically striped underskirt, completed by dark ribbon accents and an elegant period updo hairstyle woven with orange flowers.