Suit

There is both a modern feel and an easy American sensibility in this day suit. The contrast between the striped skirt and plain jacket conveys a sense of separates that is unusual for the time. The construction is well thought out, especially in the use of blue velvet to as an accent for some of the buttons. The high-style jacket is chic, yet functional; the fullness of the pleats suggests ease of movement.

According to the donors, this suit was worn by Edith Constable (1884-1965) before her marriage to John Henry MacCracken, in 1910. Edith Constable MacCracken was the mother of the donors and the daughter of Frederick Augustus Constable (1849-1905) manager of Arnold Constable, the renowned New York City dry goods store, which was founded in 1825. Frederick Augustus Constable was the son of James M. Constable (1812-1900) and grandson of Aaron Arnold (1794-1876), the original partners in Arnold Constable.