'Portrait of Mme Labourdette in a Suzanne Talbot evening gown' by Adolphe de Meyer

• Baron Adolphe de Meyer 

• Gift of Madame J. Henri Labourdette
• 1927
• Gelatin silver print on matte baryte paper ; portfolio in beige silk velvet and ivory silk satin, black silk cord
• GAL 1977.37.3C
• Palais Galliera, musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris

Wife of industrialist Henri Labourdette and mother of actress Elina Labourdette, Madame Labourdette is seen here in a Suzanne Talbot gown of orange-yellow silk and black silk muslin. The dress features a plunging back, with two sections starting at the shoulders, emphasized by fringes of black and gold cord. The preciousness of the presentation of the photograph, encased in a silk portfolio, testifies to the luxury of the haute couture client. The signature is equally exceptional. The Baron de Meyer signs with the celebrated press group Condé Nast, the first fashion photography contract in history. His work appeared in Vogue from 1914 to 1922 and then in Harper’s Bazaar from 1922 to 1934. His pictorial style is married here with a certain modernity that particularly suits the image of Madame Labourdette well.

Notice's author : Sylvie Lécallier