Ensemble
In setting out parts to be assembled at will by the wearer, McCardell was posing modern fashion as a compact between the designer as maker and the consumer as stylist. Akin to the individuality of how her wraps dresses might be worn differently by various women, the construction of actual outfits depended upon the specific need of the wearer. In this, she anticipates Halston's famous statement that he only proposes and that the wearers actually make the style.
Artwork Details
- Title: Ensemble
- Designer: Claire McCardell (American, 1905–1958)
- Manufacturer: Townley Frocks (American, 1929–1938; 1940–ca. 1968)
- Date: 1944
- Culture: American
- Medium: cotton, rayon
- Credit Line: Gift of Claire McCardell, 1949
- Object Number: C.I.49.37.30a–d
- 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.
Claire McCardell
1948
Claire McCardell
ca. 1955
Claire McCardell
ca. 1956
Claire McCardell
ca. 1953
Claire McCardell
ca. 1950
Related Content
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Free to download
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 complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.