In "The AgeofInnocence, " Edith Wharton wrote of turn-of-the-century American society belles stowing away their fresh-from-Paris dresses for at least a season or two, so as to not appear vulgar in New York society.
Film fans may recognise the grounds from movies as varied as Love Story, North By Northwest, TheAgeofInnocence and To Wong Fu, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar.