Muslin

Charles James

1953 · cotton · Costume Institute

This finished muslin includes the crystal-pleated flounce seen on ball gown 2009.300.3507. The paper pattern (2009.300.3508a–w) is also part of the colletction. Together, they provide invaluable documentation of the construction of the gown. The Charles James holdings include an extraordinary collection of sewn muslins and flat patterns that represent James' design process from original concept to the finished garment. At his behest, three of his most devoted clients, Millicent Huttleston Rogers, Mrs. John (Dominique) de Menil, and Mrs. William Randolph (Austine) Hearst, Jr., along with several others, donated this supporting material along with the actual garments. In some cases, the garments are accompanied by materials that represent all of James' design phases-two flat patterns (paper and muslin), and two sewn muslins (half and full).

Artist

Charles James

Date

1953

Medium

cotton

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Baroness W. von Langendorff, 1953