Dress
Amy Spindler commented in the New York Times, "Before the emergence of the Seventh Avenue designer, an American fashion force rivaled, and even eclipsed, anything that sauntered down a Paris runway: the Hollywood costumer." During World War II, as increasing numbers of women entered the workforce, fashion became more sober. Adrian responded to the new aesthetic by offering this classic black dress. The Hollywood "touch" is present in the encircling bands of self fabric that, detached from the surface of the dress, float freely and settle lasso-style over the shoulders, looping down to tie at the waist. Although Adrian never made a Western, he liked to explore the Southwest. Here, the reference to ranch life emerges from a quintessential urban garment, suggesting both vigorous masculine activity and a surprising, if subtle, bondage.
Artwork Details
- Title: Dress
- Designer: Gilbert Adrian (American, Naugatuck, Connecticut 1903–1959 Hollywood, California)
- Date: 1942–52
- Culture: American
- Medium: silk, metal
- Credit Line: Gift of Patricia Pastor and Barry Friedman, 2012
- Object Number: 2012.538.15
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Gilbert Adrian (American, Naugatuck, Connecticut 1903–1959 Hollywood, California)
1942–52
Gilbert Adrian (American, Naugatuck, Connecticut 1903–1959 Hollywood, California)
1942–52
Gilbert Adrian (American, Naugatuck, Connecticut 1903–1959 Hollywood, California)
1942–52
Gilbert Adrian (American, Naugatuck, Connecticut 1903–1959 Hollywood, California)
1942–52
Gilbert Adrian (American, Naugatuck, Connecticut 1903–1959 Hollywood, California)
1942–52
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please contact us using the form below. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.