EVENING DRESS

Creator(s): Unknown

Currently in storage

About this object

This bias-cut, low-back, fitted-waist evening dress eloquently illustrates fashionable women’s wear from the early 1930s. The bow at the back is loosely inspired by the Japanese obi, traditionally worn at the waist of the kimono. With 48.69, these dresses are referred to as "twins," or repeated designs in a variety of fabrics and color schemes. In many cases, Mrs. Post had details changed on one of the dresses. Capped sleeves were added to the black and white dress to conceal the shoulder straps. The pattern of the printed silk taffeta of the dress on the right reflects the influence of contemporary abstract painting on textile design.

Bias-cut, low back, fitted waist evenging dress in a blue, gray and white geometric pattern. The bodice front is constructed from two overlapping panels creating a V-neck at center. Thin shoulder straps support the bodice. The gown closes in center back with a series of hooks and bars. A bow at back waist, loosely inspired by the Japanese obi, is unlined, revealing a 5" band of nylon horsehair used as a stiffener. The skirt attaches to bodice high under bust at a slight point and is intricately cut using both bias and straight grain construction. Fitted through the waist and hips, the skirt flares at bottom to a circular hem in front and a slight train with three sharp, angled points in back. The gown is unlined. The printed silk taffeta reflects the influence of contemprorary abstract painting on textile design.

Object name:

EVENING DRESS

Made from:

Silk taffeta

Made in:

USA

Date made:

1934-1936

Size:

H. 17 in. (shoulder to waist front); H. 19 in. (shoulder to waist back); Dia. 29 in. (waist circumference); H. 46 in. (waist to hem front); H. 50 in. (waist to hem back); Dia. 184 in. (hem circumference)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:

48.70

Signature marks:

Credit line:

Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973