Best Moment: Fortuny Delphos Gown, ca. 1920

What's the mystery behind these famous pleats? Watch Katy Kane's appraisal of a Fortuny Delphos Gown, ca. 1920, in Hotel del Coronado, Hour 1.
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[@Mrjonrayasha]

I was lucky enough to actually be able to handle one of these dresses, it was dyed in a light blue, and my gosh was it an amazing dress to see and be lucky enough to thouch it.

[@samwilson188]

Wow! You’re so lucky! How did you get to handle it?

[@darvoid66]

This was a really good one. I loved the appraiser. She was very descriptive and knew all about the maker of the dress and the guy was great too.

[@YellowOfTheTide]

What a wholesome guy, and a fantastic presentation overall. Stunning dress!

[@truelytreasured3990]

Good for them! He is such a lovable character ❤ I bet his wife is just as adorable as he is

[@henkgaas9446]

I am not really into clothing but this is a piece or art... Imagine a beauty from the 1920's like Louise Brooks in such a dress... !

[@shellylyon6365]

Oooo, that would be stunning!

[@57z]

There are currently two Fortuny dresses for sale by different sellers on Etsy as I write this. One for $11k the other for $12.5k. Both sleeveless and lighter colors. I think the dress in the video is a bit nicer due to the length of cut, appraisal seems about right.

[@ClifDickens]

"I'm never going to be able to talk to my wife again."

[@LaurenOrion]

Such a precious man!!

[@scarletred8888]

What a lovely man! His reaction was great!

[@megalopolis2015]

Breathtaking. I'd wear it in a heartbeat.

[@oliviacooley1195]

Best reaction ever!!!

[@judeonine5525]

What a sweet old man

[@karaamundson3964]

Sweetheart of a guy!

[@teresaweaver1012]

It's a magnificent piece of art, but if I owned it, I would have to TURN UP somewhere at least one time in it. Wowsa...it's 🔥.

[@oldfrend]

girl you ain't lyin. if some movie star showed up at the met gala wearing this beauty she'd be the queen of the night instead of the garbage the trashy hos wear these days. THEN she could auction it off XD

[@andrewptob]

I would love to see a woman with a great figure wear that dress.

[@marywebb9127]

Beautiful dress❤️

[@lepolhart3242]

The evening dress Lady Mary wears in the Downton Abbey movie is based on the Fortuny pleated dresses as the costume designers managed to get a pattern and recreate a Fortuny dress.

[@athenathegreatandpowerful6365]

Nope. The gown Lady Mary wears is a real 1920s Delphos. NOT a recreation.

[@TheFiown]

I worked in couture in Paris, we used to have these pleats done by asking for Fortuny pleating, maybe not the identical technique but visually the same.

[@davidcattin7006]

Issey Miyake did what looks like similar pleating -- Issey Miyake and his design team have been experimenting with and refining their pleating technique since 1988. The groundbreaking method - by which pleats are applied after the fabric is cut and sewn - is a revolutionary departure from traditional process. mds.isseymiyake.com/mds/en/collection/ See also - www.thecuttingclass.com/mccanrtney-miyake-fortuny/

[@TheFiown]

@@davidcattin7006 Yes he did. I worked in couture all my life and we used to use Lognon for pleating ( now Chanel owned) and they did a good 'Fortuny' pleating or 'Venetian' pleating. It was also called 'bijoux' pleating.The problem with this sort of pleating is that as it is on silk it doesn't hold its pleat. Fortuny found a way around this by keeping the dresses twisted up like yarn. Pleating on sythetic fabric keep their shape better but of course are not as nice. I loved going to Lognon to explain our ideas and he was always enthousiastic about his work. He also did our buttons, belts and buckles. One year I was looking for ideas for a designer I was with and he rooked out his old button molds and we had great fun making many odd combination buttons that the designer loved and used in his collection. This partially revived his button making for others. The workrooms were in an old building with high ceilings and all lined in oak cupboards and drawers. I think that they are now moved to a modern place as real estate often chases these artisans out of these wonderful premises in favour of domestic living unfortunately. Best wishes .

[@davidcattin7006]

@@TheFiown Wonderful story! Bet you have many more.

[@TheFiown]

@@davidcattin7006 Well over forty years in couture has it's benefits, many lessons learnt. Many stories under my belt, maybe a book one day.

[@davidcattin7006]

@@TheFiown Oh, please do! I'll want an autographed copy!

[@stevie68a]

There's a painting of Gloria Vanderbilt wearing one of these. Google Image it.

[@tommyjakks]

Later that evening he listed the dress on eBay

[@macsloan58]

Appraiser is a great looking lady.

[@MsPearlJam123]

Did it belong to Pavlova?

[@SouthernArtist77]

$50? Wow!

[@finddeniro]

In the the 1990's I saw a Fashion display of Hollywood's fashions from the 1930's and 1940s. Ah struck. .Dress up Ladys. .

[@CRYDERSB]

“Wife” 😁

[@michaelleftwich8186]

Looks like Morticia Adams wears in those movies.

[@coreyfairbanks7374]

Munsters?

[@oldfrend]

i wonder how tall the original owner was, cuz it looks like it's the right height for that dude, and he looks pretty tall.

[@martiwalsh2069]

I wonder if they shared their incredible good fortune with the original owner who sold it to them for $50?

[@Dirtnap1986]

Why? That was 30 to 40 something years ago! Plus the lady who sold it was elderly. She's probably deceased by now.

[@aimeecurry9774]

I don't know a lot about dresses but I know who wears the pants in his family.

[@dbrel]

If it’s really his wife’s dress, where is she?? I have a suspicion it’s his instead of any wife. There likely is no wife.

[@Weebs_00]

Was I the only one by the thumbnail thought it was the chicks wife who got it?

[@janeanf123]

My wife, my wife, my wife, your wife. Good grief!

[@SuperSkinandHairCare]

I LOVE his reaction!!! That dress is so gorgeous...and, I learned a lot about the designer and his process of pleating.

[@yellowwoodstraveler]

Well tell them please. They have no idea how he made those pleats!

[@davidcattin7006]

Issey Miyake did pleating too -- Issey Miyake and his design team have been experimenting with and refining their pleating technique since 1988. The groundbreaking method - by which pleats are applied after the fabric is cut and sewn - is a revolutionary departure from traditional process. mds.isseymiyake.com/mds/en/collection/ See also - www.thecuttingclass.com/mccanrtney-miyake-fortuny/

[@jamesluby6705]

Darling, we're going on a world cruise, I'll buy you a new dress... 🤪

[@mattmayo3539]

You can’t wash it You can’t dry clean it You can’t sit down And none of that matters. It’s fabulous

[@MISNM0]

😁

[@PatriotTwin]

Exactly. Oh, and you can't walk in it, either. So, pretty much useless!

[@redwoods7370]

Morticia Addams would love it! And Gomez would go wild over it.

[@kanukster]

My first thought!

[@mooshuguy5141]

"Tish! You spoke French!"

[@CR-zx2zi]

Cara Mia!

[@Jesse__H]

_begins barrage of kisses from fingertip on up the arm_

[@gaylewieneke7084]

I live it when you speak French Tish.

[@stacythomas1587]

This gentleman had one of the most genuine and sweetest reactions to a quote in all the years of AR. Some people just stand or sit there expressionless when told their possession they bought for $10 is worth thousands lol.

[@WoodlandDance]

:45 in the video, the gentlemen says his wife paid 50.00 for the dress, and 2.00 for the book in which there was a picture of the dress

[@XX-gy7ue]

THAT SHOULD BE IN THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM , WITH A ROOM ESPECIALLY DEDICATED TO EXHIBITING IT ! it would be such a shame if this gets lost ! IT'S MAGNIFICENT !

[@themarquis336]

X X lol don’t worry, they have many of them...

[@blondieeastwood9120]

Yeah...nice piece of crap...

[@owenmccord5078]

“It would be a shame if it gets lost;” sounds like you’re trying to shake them down😂

[@XX-gy7ue]

@@themarquis336 , not so !

[@XX-gy7ue]

@@blondieeastwood9120 , only to an imbecile !

[@jmatt4life]

Morticia Adams style immediately popped into my head. What a pleasant surprise to realize that a 52 dollar investment had such a great return!

[@RuffianTux]

I'm so glad you said it because I was just about to comment how "Morticia" it seemed. Very sexy and elegant.

[@asmrlistening5945]

I'm honestly surprised it's worth so little! It's a piece of incredible history, but people will drop more than that on some ugly modern wedding gown

[@Lonewolfmike]

Oh, it could probably go for a lot more than what she said. You get the correct people in the bidding at the time and the sky is the limit. I have seen and heard of a few Roadshow finds that went nuts at auction.

[@kg192]

Totally agree. I’d say 35-50K

[@Goomlahexpress]

They always like to be conservative

[@sarahalbers5555]

So true. That dress is everything!

[@iamwindchakra]

It's a gorgeous dress!

[@Angelaius]

Fabrics are one of the most fragile materials on earth. The fact they kept this dress in this condition shows real love and professional care. You cant put textile in light or it will be damaged. Acidic enviroment such as an acidic wrapping paper also damage clothes. Looks brand new. Amazing.

[@englishruraldoggynerd]

Wow. That’s definitely a museum piece. Definitely. It’s timeless, and an utter classic.

[@lisaindahouse1304]

Don't forget to mention how these MUST BE STORED. You have to twist the dress up to store it.

[@mikesmith-pj7xz]

don't need to wear anything under it...ok;-)

[@RonGee]

Wow, surprised that no one has been able to reproduce the pleating. it seems like such a desirable feature.

[@Lonewolfmike]

My guess is there have been those who have tried.

[@lostasadorespr]

Give it a month and China will be selling them on "WISH"

[@FlourescentPotato]

probably hyperbole

[@Kahli21]

@@FlourescentPotato It's not. Nobody knows exactly how he created the pleats, they're really particular and unique. Most other pleated silk can be cleaned and maintain the pleating, but not the Fortuny pleats.

[@davidcattin7006]

Issey Miyake did pleating that looks similar -- Issey Miyake and his design team have been experimenting with and refining their pleating technique since 1988. The groundbreaking method - by which pleats are applied after the fabric is cut and sewn - is a revolutionary departure from traditional process. mds.isseymiyake.com/mds/en/collection/ See also - www.thecuttingclass.com/mccanrtney-miyake-fortuny/

[@pamelawing626]

I saw a Fortuny exhibit when I was in Paris in 2017. He had an amazing history, He was French, lived in Iraly and in the beginning all the pleats were done by hand. He then came up with a method for pleating by a machine of some kind. Amazing to see in person.

[@waynealexander1615]

He was not French. He was Spanish. Mariano Fortuny.

[@pamelawing626]

@@waynealexander1615 You ARE correct, mia culpa and I KNEW that.

[@lisamelroy2855]

Not quite the same, but I went to an Edith Head exhibit a few years ago, and it was remarkable to be able to see some of her creations up close - I was awed.

[@TheJennyg76]

I’d throw the most glamorous party just to wear this dress. It’s absolutely stunning

[@MrStGeorgeIllawarra]

Very Mortica Addams.

[@larsberglund]

Holy moly, what a dress! I would probably marry any woman wearing it.

[@KlLLERROBOT99]

His reaction was just so genuine and full of absolute shock

[@davidcattin7006]

"No one's been able to duplicate it." I'm no expert but recalled that Issey Miyake was known for pleated fabrics that were novel for their time. "Issey Miyake and his design team have been experimenting with and refining their pleating technique since 1988. The groundbreaking method - by which pleats are applied after the fabric is cut and sewn - is a revolutionary departure from traditional process." mds.isseymiyake.com/mds/en/collection/ Ah, my memory serves. Seems someone else has made a connection: In the recent Stella McCartney collection, there were some beautifully pleated garments that were reminiscent of the work of two very different designers, from two very different eras. The first was Mario Fortuny and the second was Issey Miyake. www.thecuttingclass.com/mccanrtney-miyake-fortuny/

[@oo7naughtyusmaximus933]

I don't know much about dresses....but this dressmaker was ahead of his time.

[@kelpiecoco7570]

Not completely sure if it's the same Fortuny but I wouldn't be surprised. Fortuny is also the name of an Italian designer fabric house. They sell exquisite fabrics, generally only available through members of the design trade, such as interior designers. They are famous for their hand block stamped and painted silk fabrics, which I'm fairly certain is how they still do it today. Many of their fabrics sell for $400.00 per yard and up. I used to sell designer fabric remnants and I always loved seeing their pieces.

[@RonGee]

I wonder why his wife wasn't there if it's her dress. It sounded like she's still alive.

[@snnetteachexnayder63]

I agree I was wondering in the same way, I would have loved to see the woman whom collects vintage clothing and what was the look on her face. Where is she?

[@PK-mx7nf]

Some people don't want to be on TV. Crazy, I know.

[@AMGGchan]

I watched a show called “A Stitch in Time” and it’s based around fashion and this time period, she makes a fake delphos.

[@farmerconnie9131]

Krystal Jang i loved. That show! Sira the seamstress. It’s based on a book, which is fantastic too

[@molliemandell5017]

Excellent book and show but it was called “The Time in Between” written by Maria Duenas.

[@jonahlloydrosenberg]

But they didn't say anything about Pavlova! Surely its having been worn by the great ballerina adds interest if not value?

[@PuReGhOsTT]

it is absolutely insane that this was created 100 years ago! The cloth, beads, etc are over 100 years old!

[@HunterShows]

I was wondering where the wife was, I assumed she was dead and then he said "she'll be overjoyed" lol

[@MsTUDORSFAN]

That's not how you pronounce Fortuny. The ny in catalan is pronounced like the spanish ñ.

[@bretaskinner3143]

I'm surprised Ms Kane wasn't wearing gloves while touching the dress.

[@reenougle]

A work of art. I especially love the other colourful Fortunys I have seen in photos. Absolutely exquisite.

[@ZedZerps]

So how can it be cleaned? How does it look clean now?

[@TheGabygael]

*his wife made the dresses

[@fortunatoofamontillado1059]

Such a delightful gentleman

[@Ratguitar58]

Morticia Adams dress 😎👍

[@sparklebutt1119]

You can only wear it when standing. 🤣

[@69A12SuperBee]

Rick from Pawn Stars: "The best I can do is $100.00 and I'm taking a chance at that"

[@zeedavis5300]

That dress is amazing. Truly the appraisal reflects the labor of love that went into it's creation.

[@letmetellyousomething123]

Magnificent Dress. A work of Art.

[@jamesmcdonald6699]

What a wonderful reaction!

[@zeedavis5300]

Honey, please.. that's not his wife's purchase. He picked it out himself. 🤔🤣😂

[@gurruto]

for?

[@wizardofahhhs759]

His wife might be a dude too.

[@ferociousfive7396]

The beads alone are very precious

[@TheJennyg76]

Oh I’d love to wear this dress

[@welcometorenland]

His reaction made my entire week! Never doubt the wives you guys, we're always right

[@golden8972]

I'd LOVE to try it on!

[@mortisha8693]

How do you walk in that? And then when you stop someone would have to arrange the pleats around your feet?

[@vincentmarotta9800]

Seriously, hope he sold it to a museum or something. Then I hope people could study the dress to figure out the pleating methodology. To me it looks like a giant trash bag (solely due to the color and wrinkles/pleating), but the overall shape and composition/design of the dress is just perfect. I love dresses that hug a woman's body like this. Classy and reminds me of a stylish jazzy time.

[@canuckpagali]

I think many women of many different body types could look good in this dress. Lovely, simple, elegant, classic design!

[@tongsllc]

This dress is subtly beautiful

[@AstralDragoon]

It's one thing to have an antique that is rare due to limited production; it's quite another to have one that is literally impossible to duplicate because no one alive knows how.

[@slyfox2049]

They ripped the old lady off.

[@EM2theBee]

I love this guy, but every time he says wife I imagine he's saying the word in air quotes.

[@ginaheller333]

Thanks for the giggle!

[@truecrimerip7936]

I wonder what happened to that dress since the show.

[@gregoryhoover2388]

Guessing this gay dude bought the dress and there is no wife. Always hiding his ring finger...

[@hiawathasbrother]

Apparently this is a dress that you cannot clean, cannot sit down in, and cannot walk in.

[@evanferris5035]

This women sounds identical to Corey Feldman.

[@ruthgunneson-poling1571]

I like how bored the appraiser acts. And she is not wearing gloves.

[@campbelldutch75]

What a nice guy and I’d bet his wife is just as nice !

[@ericplunder2744]

What a lovely man.

[@yesman3601]

1:45 “Amazingly sexy” “OH YES” 😳

[@ravingcyclist624]

Awesome! Fun to see.

[@ariochiv]

What a sweet man.

[@peace-yv4qd]

Kaitlin Jenner is salivating.

[@alexpond648]

His wife has a very good eye.

[@lindanorris2455]

lucky guy!

[@AFAskygoddess]

Does anyone know if they put this dress up for auction?

[@AshtonColby]

Stunning

[@queencerseilannister3519]

What a GORGEOUS gown!! I couldn't imagine the level of wealth the woman who owned this had to have.

[@jamesconnolly9591]

EleGanT LoVelY Well Well Well STyliSh ClaSSy DreSS.......

[@elizabethjackson8328]

"I" couldn't wear it but once. Too sweaty. Beautiful.

[@jacksonparker3671]

vintage dresses are getting more and more popular. Price will only go up

[@michaeldelahunty2440]

OOOOH ! if every woman on the planet ,had a figure like this