Evening dress

Designer Peggy Hoyt American
spring/summer 1928
Not on view
Peggy Hoyt entered the world of fashion as an apprentice in a Fifth Avenue millinery shop at the age of 17. With $300, she established her own shop, Peggy Hoyt, Inc. on Fifth Avenue. Focusing on millinery, Hoyt did not branch into designing women's clothing until after World War I, but when she did, she opened the doors to greater success. Her designs were creative and unique, rivaling the French dressmakers. Designing each one of her creations, whether hats or dresses, Hoyt took great pride in her work which was worn by a small and exclusive group.

This elaborately beaded evening dress is a wonderful representation of Hoyt's work. Known for her use of rhinestone ornamentation, the pattern seen here expresses the freedom she took in design creativity. As the flapper style was still in vogue, this would have been an exquisite piece for any of Hoyt's clientele to wear for a night on the town.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Evening dress
  • Designer: Peggy Hoyt (American, 1893–1937)
  • Date: spring/summer 1928
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: silk, rhinestones
  • Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Anonymous gift, 1964
  • Object Number: 2009.300.1315
  • Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute

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