A BLACK EVENING GOWN FOR THE DOLLY SISTERS

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THE DELECTABLE DOLLY SISTERS Jennie and Rosie Dolly were, in their day, the toast of the town for their glamorous clothes, their sparkle and their many admirers. Hungarian by birth, their supporters included the celebrated 'Diamond Jack' and Gordon Selfridge, both men of deep pockets. Both indulged the sisters in their fondness for gowns, jewels, gambling and the high life. Gordon Selfridge indeed set up Jenny with her own couture house, under the wing of Jean Patou, and indeed located in the same building. Although the House of Jennie Dolly made headlines, it did not unfortunately, make profits. Jean Patou had a long relationship with the sisters, engaging them in 1924 to promote his clothes in the United States both on stage and off. He is said to have supplied over 200 outfits and accessories in one season. The black dress presented here bears the label of Jennie Dolly.

A BLACK EVENING GOWN FOR THE DOLLY SISTERS

CIRCA 1924

Details

A BLACK EVENING GOWN FOR THE DOLLY SISTERS
CIRCA 1924
A black silk evening dress, with cutwork an silver embroidered bodice, embellished with diamantés in squares below the bust, the straps and borders with scalloped design
Labelled JENNIE DOLLY, PARIS 144 CHAMPS-ELYSÉES in orange to cream label

Provenance

Sold with this lot is a document from the vendor detailing the provenance of these two dresses, which were inherited from Towyna Thomas, the last wife of Edward Dolly, the sisters' younger brother.
A quarter of the proceeds of the sale will be donated to funding a scholarship to support a theatrical design student.

Special notice

VAT rate of 20% is payable on hammer price and buyer's premium

Lot Essay

The black skirts of this model are of later date.

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