Evening dress

Claire McCardell|Townley Frocks

1950 · silk · Costume Institute

McCardell's enthusiasm and acumen for European fashion history is well documented, but her interests extended East as well. This evening dress suggests Chinese roots in its textile, pleating, and color, but also evokes Japanese origins in its wide sash (like an obi) and columnar silhouette. In a global eclecticism, the dress is cut like a poncho with its top crisscrossed over the bodice to create the kimono–like surplice neckline.

Artist

Claire McCardell|Townley Frocks

Date

1950

Medium

silk

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Gift of Irving Drought Harris, in memory of Claire McCardell Harris, 1958