Sold for $18,900

Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium

Lot Description

Unlabeled Dress Attributed to Madeleine Vionnet, 1930s

This dress comes from the Palmer family and was likely worn by Pauline Palmer, who was a known client of Madeleine Vionnet.

Pauline Kohlsaat Palmer (Mrs. Potter Palmer II) was born and raised in Chicago, the daughter of a newspaper editor, and a leader in Illinois Republican politics. She married Potter Palmer II, the son of one of the leading families in Chicago, director of the First National Bank and president of the Art statutete of Chicago. When he died in 1943, he left Pauline an estimated 4.5 million dollars. She donated many couture garments, including additional Callot Soeurs and Vionnet, to the Chicago History Museum.

Smoke grey sheer silk crepe evening dress with a richly embroidery mid and hip section featuring swirls of glass beads in a pastel pink, blue, and silver pattern. The neckline is cut with a deep v in front and back, while the shoulder are kept on the body with a center back tie between the tie straps. The body of the dres is fitted with intricate seaming, including long curved seams that extend up from the hem into the hips and back. There are no closures in the body of the dress. The dress is missing its slip.
Label: Unlabeled
Size Label: Unlabeled
Style/Serial No.: Unlabeled

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 13.5"
Chest: 32"
Waist: 27 "
Hips: 39"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 54"

This lot is located in Chicago.

Condition Report

Condition:

The overall condition is good with a few faint spots near the hem, one near the center front hip, one on the center back tie, and two small pin holes near the left arm. The end of the center front and back v-neckline is weak with some minor pulling from the picot edge. The dress does not come with a slip.

Everything is sold 'As Is’. The stated overall condition of the lot is based on the assumption that the wear is consistent with age and use. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. All other condition issues are stated above. To request additional working condition photos, please email [email protected] with the lot number. Condition is a matter of opinion of the evaluator and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Clients must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Hindman staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Hindman website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Hindman.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.