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EVENING DRESS

Creator(s): Orry-Kelly (Designer)

Currently in storage


About this object

Orry-Kelly, a prolific and award-winning Hollywood costume designer, created this velvet portrait dress for Marjorie Merriweather Post. The shoulders are embellished with rhinestones, pearl roping, and silver metal thread embroidery in a leaf pattern. Since the skirt is not intended to be seen in a portrait, it is plain and unadorned with a small turned up hem.

This long sleeved black velvet evening gown was worn by Mrs. Post for two portraits (see note). The bodice has an open, sweetheart neckline and is extended at bottom to a point at center front. Shaped, flat bands applied at the cap of the sleeves are embellished with rhinestones, pearl roping and silver metal thread embroidery in a leaf pattern. Narrow tubular sleeves extend to the wrist and close with a set of eight self covered buttons and thread loops. The trumpet shaped skirt is finished with a wide band of taffeta on the underside. The garment closes at center back with a metal zipper.

Object name:
EVENING DRESS
Made from:
Silk velvet backed with cotton taffeta -- pearls -- rhinestones -- silver thread
Made in:
USA
Date made:
1936
Size:
H. 15 1/2 in. (shoulder to waist front); H. 16 in. (shoulder to waist back); Dia. 28 in. (waist circumference); H. 46 in. (waist to hem front); H. 48 1/2 in. (waist to hem back); Dia. 214 in. (hem circumference)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:
48.95
Signature marks:
Credit line:
Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973