Dress

Charles James

early 1930s · silk, cotton · Costume Institute

In this long-sleeved example of his trompe l’oeil gilet (or vest) dress, James extended the front neckline in two triangles to crisscross like a softly draped scarf. The ivory velveteen front bodice panel extends across the small of the back to form a surplicelike waist cinch. The sleeves, velveteen at the front and black silk crepe at the back, are stitched into a wide flange that runs from the elbow to the back neckline and folds over at the shoulders. This was likely one of James’s four day dresses for Viyella.

Artist

Charles James

Date

early 1930s

Medium

silk, cotton

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Purchase, Costume Institute Benefit Fund, Friends of The Costume Institute Gifts, and Acquisitions Fund, 2013