Norman Hartnell | Court Presentation Ensemble | c. 1949 • • • This lavish dress, designed for an evening court presentation, exemplifies Hartnell's gala style, with jeweled encrustations of flowers above a full skirt made of yards and yards of tulle over sparkling gold lamé. It was completed with a court headdress of Prince of Wales feathers and a train that hangs from the shoulders, and accompanied by a feather fan, all traditionally worn by a woman when formally presented to the monarch. The ensemble is one of the last of its kind, since formal evening court presentations, discontinued during the war, were not resumed. • • • #whattheywore #historicalfashion #fashion #fashiondesign #fashionhistory #historyoffashion #vintagefashion #art #vintage #historicfashion #defunctfashion #costume #costumedesign #couture #costumehistory #normanhartnell #courtdress #debutante #philadelphiamuseumofart