EVENING DRESS

Creator(s): Unknown

Currently in storage

About this object

Full length black taffeta evening dress. Bodice and short sleeves are cut in one piece. Bodice overlaps at center front in shirt-style, with applied black covered buttons. Lapels are created by folding back the bodice at the V-shaped neckline. Sleeves have a turned back cuff. The garment closes at center back with a metal zipper extending from skirt to at mid-back. A key-hole openning at back neck is secured with a single button and loop. A full circle skirt is attached to the bodice at the natural waistline. The skirt is composed of alternating bands of taffeta and tulle. The two tulle sections are overlaid with three rows of taffeta strips that have been twisted in a "french ribbon" fashion and applied flat. The hem is finished with a hand sewn rolled seam. A narrow belt, covered on both sides in black taffeta, was worn tight at the waist, although the dress itself has no belt carriers. Belt buckle is covered with taffetaand backed with black leather. The garment was worn with a full petticoat to support the circle skirt; 48.105.3 matches in size and style although it appears to have been altered at the yoke. It has an acetate yoke that supports three layers of tulle and a silk taffeta lining. A band of nylon horsehair is sewn to the innermost layer of tulle for stiffening. An extra-wide band of horsehair is applied to the taffeta lining at bottom. The petticoat closes at center back with metal hooks and bars.

Object name:

EVENING DRESS

Made from:

Silk taffeta -- tulle (dress); silk taffeta/acetate -- net -- horsehair (petticoat)

Made in:

USA

Date made:

1948-1952

Size:

H. 16 1/2 in. (shoulder to waist front; H. 16 in. (shoulder to waist back); Dia. 27 1/2 in. (waist circumference); H. 42 in. (waist to hem front); H. 45 in. (waist to hem back); Dia. 330 in. (hem circumference)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:

48.105.1-3

Signature marks:

Credit line:

Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973