Evening dress

Designer Charles James American

Not on view

One of the first strapless designs of the 1930s, this dress was created on a lightly stiffened foundation in grosgrain to support the bodice. Silk-encased ribs, like those of an umbrella, are the understructure that supports the fullness of the skirt, created by eight gores. The long darts horizontally placed at the mid-calf take up the fabric to form the pointed lobes. Horizontal interior bones support the silhouette of the skirt while amplifying its sway in movement.

Evening dress, Charles James (American, born Great Britain, 1906–1978), silk, American

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Evening dress, Charles James (American, born Great Britain, 1906–1978), silk, American
Evening dress, Charles James (American, born Great Britain, 1906–1978), silk, American
Evening dress, Charles James (American, born Great Britain, 1906–1978), silk, American
Evening dress, Charles James (American, born Great Britain, 1906–1978), silk, American
Evening dress, Charles James (American, born Great Britain, 1906–1978), silk, American
Evening dress, Charles James (American, born Great Britain, 1906–1978), silk, American
Evening dress, Charles James (American, born Great Britain, 1906–1978), silk, American
Evening dress, Charles James (American, born Great Britain, 1906–1978), silk, American
Evening dress, Charles James (American, born Great Britain, 1906–1978), silk, American
Evening dress, Charles James (American, born Great Britain, 1906–1978), silk, American
Evening dress, Charles James (American, born Great Britain, 1906–1978), silk, American

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