Ensemble

Claire McCardell|Townley Frocks

1944 · cotton, rayon · Costume Institute

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.

Artist

Claire McCardell|Townley Frocks

Date

1944

Medium

cotton, rayon

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Gift of Claire McCardell, 1949