This page details the iconic 'Delphos' dress by Mariano Fortuny, a pleated silk garment created around 1907 and patented in 1909. Inspired by the Greek 'Chiton,' the dress features a boat neck, drop sleeves, and floor-length hem, often adorned with glass beads and a decorated belt.
The 'Delphos' dress, a creation of Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo, represents a significant piece in fashion history, particularly within the museum's 'Indispensables' collection. Designed around 1907 and patented in 1909, this innovative garment is characterized by its signature pleated silk fabric, typically in a celadon green satin for this particular example. Structurally, the 'Delphos' is a simple rectangle of fabric supported by the shoulders, echoing the form of the ancient Greek 'Chiton,' which was in use until the 1st century BCE.
Over the years, from its patenting until Fortuny's death, the 'Delphos' dress saw only minor variations in sleeve length and neckline design, maintaining its core aesthetic. The featured dress, dating from approximately 1920-1949, is bordered with glass paste beads and includes a belt decorated with a gilded stencil pattern. This specific piece once belonged to the Chaplin family and bears internal markings indicating its Italian origin and Fortuny's patented status. The Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas houses this significant artifact as part of its esteemed collection.