Pink & cream evening dress, by Festa & Co, 1895-1900

During this period, etiquette dictated that women of society vary their evening dress according to the occasion. Dresses like this silk satin example, with uncovered arms and neck, were known as 'full dress'. They were suitable for dances, balls, dinners and visits to the opera. Ladies of high rank usually wore  gowns with longer sleeves and higher necklines at less formal venues such as the theatre.

Festa & Co's establishment was located at Carlos Place in Mayfair, at the heart of London's court dressmaking industry. Their clientele would have been drawn from the height of the aristocracy, with London houses nearby. The house of Worth and other famous couturiers were also close neighbours.

Museum no. T.625:1, 2 -1999