Paul Poiret (1879-1944), Evening dress, c.1926. Gold silk chiffon, beads and rhinestones. Museum Purchase. P83.5.9. Fashion Institute of Technology © The Museum at FIT.

The intricate beadwork on this dress resembles the "fountain" motif prevalent in Art Deco design, but the pattern has been turned upside down, evoking trompe l'oeil fringe. The shaded gradation of color adds depth, alluding to three-dimensionality and the play of shadow and light caused by movement. Poiret cleverly reinforced this theme by cutting the hem so the scalloped shapes are free to move with the wear.