Evening dress
A textile marvelous to the touch and the eye is realized on the body through McCardell's elegant triangulation. McCardell always gave the effect of using every scrap of fabric, enjoying the economy of wasting nothing. In this instance, the richness of the textile complements her spare dressmaking, suggesting a perfect alignment of triangles and curves, letting us feel that no little bit of fabric has been wasted. Boot-hook closures only reinforce the sense of utmost economy.
Artwork Details
- Title: Evening dress
- Designer: Claire McCardell (American, 1905–1958)
- Manufacturer: Textile by Galey and Lord, Inc.
- Date: ca. 1952
- Culture: American
- Medium: cotton
- Credit Line: Gift of Irving Drought Harris, in memory of Claire McCardell Harris, 1958
- Object Number: C.I.58.49.11
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
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