Evening Gown

According to notes from Helen Clay Frick , her mother Adelaide Frick wore this ensemble from French designer Gustave Beer to a reception given at the White House by President Theodore Roosevelt . Dating to 1905, the gown is made of silk velvet , taffeta, and satin , Brussels needlepoint lace , tissue ribbon, and gold metallic thread. Its “S-curve” style was the height of fashion at the time, a look achieved by wearing a restrictive corset. Gustave Beer was based in Paris on the Place Vendome from 1905-1914. He also sold his collections at luxury hotels during the tourist season.