EVENING ENSEMBLE (DRESS, SLIP AND CAPE)

Creator(s): Thurn (Designer)

Currently in storage

About this object

Marjorie Merriweather Post commissioned this gown and matching cape while living in New York City with her husband E.F. Hutton. The three-piece ensemble, consisting of a tubular slip, sleeveless dress, and circular cape, captures the flair of the Art Deco period of the 1920s with its geometric patterns and bright colors.

Bright salmon colored silk crêpe dress and cape. The sleeveless, tubular dress is cut in two pieces, bodice and skirt. A low V-neckline in front and scoop neck in back. The bodice closes at center front under a decorative band of metallic thread. The same banding is applied at shoulders and dropped waist. The skirt is gathered and heavily smocked at center front. Skirt is decorated with geometric patches of fuschia, pink, purple, rust, gold and peach applied flat. Randomly placed matallic patches enhance this pattern. The dress was worn with a slightly flared slip trimmed at top with a band of lace embroidered with gold thread. A matching cape completes the ensemble. The circular cape is gathered onto a triangular shaped back yoke trimmed with the banded metallic embroidery used to trim the dress. A 7-1/2" wide band of silk crêpe forms the collar and ties in a large bow at shoulder. The same geometric patchwork pattern is used to decorate the cape. The cape is fully lined in melon colored silk charmeuse.

Object name:

EVENING ENSEMBLE (DRESS, SLIP AND CAPE)

Made from:

Silk crêpe (dress and cape); silk charmeuse -- organza -- lace (slip)

Made in:

New York, USA

Date made:

1927-1932

Size:

H. 23 1/2 in. (shoulder to waist front) (dress); H. 25 in. (shoulder to waist back) (dress); Dia. 39 in. (waist circumference) (dress); H. 20 1/2 in. (waist to hem front) (dress); H. 20 (waist to hem back) (dress); Dia. 116 in. (hem circumference) (dress); H. 36 in. (center front to hem) (cape); H. 44 in. (center back to hem) (cape); Dia. 112 in. (hem circumference) (cape)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:

48.60.1-3

Signature marks:

LABEL: Thurn / NEW YORK PARIS [on side seam of dress] LABEL: MRS EF HUTTON 268269 [also on side seam]

Credit line:

Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973