Right, above: Looking back nostalgically to the 1920's Pierre Balmain presented this short evening gown in black taffeta, embroidered in tiny pearls. The skirt is tiered in deep scallops, with a narrow pink patent leather belt at the normal waistline as the only modern note. The armful of diamond bangles from Boucheron gives a service stripes line, and a pink handkerchief tucked into the shoulder strap and long cigarette-holder carrying out the Roaring Twenties mood. March 27, 1950.