EVENING DRESS

Creator(s): Eleanora Garnett (Designer)

Currently in storage

About this object

Marjorie Merriweather Post wore this striking gown on the evening she was awarded the Legion of Honor at the French embassy in Washington. This award was given to her because of her "long-demonstrated friendship towards France." The tight plum-colored, off-the-shoulder bodice contrasts markedly with the pink enveloping taffeta skirt with its elaborate box pleating at the hip. The red ribbon stitched to the bodice indicated that she had been bestowed with this prestigious honor, of which she was understandably proud.

This is the gown Mrs. Post wore when she received the French Legion of Honor medal. The purple velvet bodice extends to below the natural waist and is cut with a deep sweetheart neckline. Short sleeves are gathered at the cap and end in two folded cuffs on the front of the sleeve only. The bodice is supported by metal, spiral boning at the seams as well as corset boning at the bust. The bodice is lined with purple silk acetate and has an interior gros-grain waist tape. The bell shaped skirt is pulled across the front to the left hip. The back of the skirt is attached to the bodice in several deep pleats and ends in a slight train. The hem is stiffened with a band of nylon horsehair. An attached petticoat in pink acetate is stiffened with open weave nylon net. The garment closes at center back with a metal zipper.

Object name:

EVENING DRESS

Made from:

Silk velvet -- taffeta faille (dress); acetate -- nylon net (petticoat)

Made in:

ITALY

Date made:

1957

Size:

H. 17 1/2 in. (shoulder to waist front)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:

48.107

Signature marks:

LABEL: Eleanora Garnett / MADE IN ITALY / IMPORTED ORIGINAL [in side seam of bodice]

Credit line:

Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973