The world's most expensive gown

The world's most expensive gown—it cost S100.000 and is made of 100,000 cultured pearls—will come to Elyria tomorrow where it will be exhibited at Oscar Haserodt and Associates. Owned by the Imperial Pearl Syndicate, the fabulous creation is currently being sent on a nationwide tour, following which it will be donated to a charity chosen by the syndicate.

David Goldstone, vice-president of the syndicate, has some pertinent facts about the Gown. "For one tiling," he said, "I doubt if it will become popular, not only because of the price, but also because of its weight." The gown weighs approximately 27 pounds, but all the celebrities who have modeled it so far, which includes Gloria Swanson, Diana

Lynn. Nina Foch and others, declare that after a half hour it seems to weigh much more than that. One of the outstanding features of this creation, barring the fact that

it is entirely made of pearls, is its simplicity of design. Over a strapless white satin and silk net gown is a ballerina skirt of pearls which has a satin sash and permanently pleated ruffle extending down each side. A bolero jacket of the cultured pearls completes the ensemble. Since Miss Swanson wore the gown, a pair of satin suspenders have also been added to the pearl apron, for easier modeling.

It took 15 years to gather the pre-war cultured pearls which went into the making of the world's most glamorous gown. Eight dressmakers worked two months to complete the dress.

This is a repeat performance for the Imperial Pearl Syndicate, largest importers of cultured pearls in the world. About 10 years ago they created a gown of 50,000 cultured pearls, worth $50.000, which they donated to the USO. The organization made over S100.000 on it through donations, and it is expected that the organization receiving the gown to be shown tomorrow will realize an even larger amount from the new and more expensive creation. Aside from benefiting a worthwhile organization.

Goldstone does not expect the gown to be a popular item in milady's wardrobe. Pearls may be a girl's best friends—but they're not comfortable to sit on!

THE WASHINGTON (N.C.) DAILY TIM6S-N£WS, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER U, 1951