The doings of the rich and beautiful are a fixture of popular culture. Movie and TV stars weren’t yet known, but stage actresses such as Lily Elsie, and aristocrats like Franca Florio were available. According to her Wikipedia article, her family was distinguished but poor so she married a wealthy businessman. She was a Lady-in-Waiting to Queen Elena.

1901 (portrait date) Black silk velvet with cut-out decorations in Liberty style, garnished with chenille drawstring on the triangular neckline manufactured in Naples or Palermo (Palazzo Pitti - Firenze, Toscana, Italy)

1901 (portrait date) Dress worn by Franca Florio (Galleria del Costume di Palazzo Pitti - Palazzo Pitti - Firenze, Toscana, Italy)

1902 Donna Franca Florio in court dress attributed to Worth (Galleria del Costume di Palazzo Pitti - Firenze, Toscana, Italy)

1902 Donna Franca Florio - Court Cape attributed to Worth (Galleria del Costume di Palazzo Pitti - Firenze, Toscana Italy)

1900-1905 Donna Franca Florio evening dress by Worth (Galleria del Costume di Palazzo Pitti - Firenze, Toscana, Italy)
