Evening Gown
Clothes for Women
2025.4.23.2.CW.DR.C1960.RU
Description
Assiut style concert dress of pianist Maria DESHALYT constructed of black cotton tulle and gold colored plate metal over black cotton base. Bodice is densely patterned with plate metal, and features a knotted drape detail on the left side of the asymmetrical waistline. Shoulder straps are black cotton adorned with black silk satin ruffles. Ruffles cascade down the left hip, connecting with matching ruffle trim at the hem. Skirt of the dress features several distinct rows of stylised motifs including minarets, men, women, huts, camels, palm trees, and grain-lined river banks.Assiut textiles, also known as tulle-bi-telli, originated in Asyut, Egypt. They are traditionally made by hand knotting small metal strips into fine cotton or linen mesh, creating intricate, shimmering patterns often used in shawls, dresses, and performance costumes. In the West, dresses featuring such fabric peaked in popularity during the 1920s worn by stars such Clara BOW and Theda BARA. Edith HEAD designed an enssemble in assiut worn by Hedy LEMARR in her lead role as Deilah in the film Sampson and Delilah (1949).
Maria Yurievna DESHALYT (1920-1992) was a famous soloist pianist from the Soviet Union. She graduated from the Moscow State Conservatory in 1944, class of Professor G. G. NEUHAUS as one of his more esteemed students. From 1945 to 1963, she worked at the Moscow State Variety Theatre and the All-Union Touring and Concert Association. Her performances were distinguished by their bright temperament and genuine lyricism. She was the first performer of many works by Soviet composers, from the famous Waltz by A. Khachaturian to M. Lermontov's drama "Masquerade". She often opened philharmonic and pop concerts with her performances in these dresses, where such legendary stage masters as K. N. Yelanskaya took part.
Materials
TulleMetal