Evening dress

Donna Karan|Donna Karan New York

fall/winter 2003–4 · wool, metal · Costume Institute

In an exception that proves the rule, a body-hugging gown by Donna Karan highlights the relative absence of such dresses in Mrs. Kempner's wardrobe. Her usual preference was for the contours of her body to be apparent but not constrained. Therefore, such fitted garments are rare in the collection. Where the gown alludes to a Kempner sensibility is in the bold metal ornaments that recall similarly minimalist belts and jewelry that she wore over the years.

Artist

Donna Karan|Donna Karan New York

Date

fall/winter 2003–4

Medium

wool, metal

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Gift of Thomas L. Kempner, 2006