Dress
American ready-to-wear became even more abundant during the 1950s and retailers were sure to offer a variety of silhouettes to their clients. In addition to the New Look, there was also a slim, fitted silhouette and a boxy style. In 1957, Balenciaga introduced the sack back dress and reproductions were quickly distributed. A fresh look, women began buying this new dress by the thousand, threatening the full-skirted silhouette. Featured here is an example of this style in a colorful floral pattern, complete with matching pumps.
Artwork Details
- Title: Dress
- Department Store: (b–c) Saks Fifth Avenue (American, founded 1924)
- Date: ca. 1956
- Culture: American
- Medium: silk
- Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Louise K. McGann, 1977
- Object Number: 2009.300.983a–c
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
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