Evening dress
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
- 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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