Evening dress

Designer Claire McCardell American
Manufacturer Townley Frocks American
1945–55
Not on view

A bravura swag of drapery cuts across the chest with the elegance of a Madame Grès bodice and the implicit protocol of a sash or banner. Applying the same principles of wrapping that animated her daywear, McCardell also wrapped for evening, letting the ease of a plush evening gown define the body with a gentle boldness.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Evening dress
  • Designer: Claire McCardell (American, 1905–1958)
  • Manufacturer: Townley Frocks (American, 1929–1938; 1940–ca. 1968)
  • Date: 1945–55
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: silk (?)
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Polaire Weissman Fund and funds from various donors, 1997
  • Object Number: 1997.511a–d
  • Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute

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