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AFTERNOON DRESS

Creator(s): Bergdorf Goodman (Retailer)

Currently in storage


About this object

Marjorie Merriweather Post required all of her clothing to be expertly tailored and coordinated with matching hats and shoes. Her closets held dresses made by Parisian designers, purchased in luxury department stores, or hand sewn to her instruction by private dressmakers. This sleeveless, chiffon, afternoon dress was purchased from New York luxury department store Bergdorf Goodman.

Sleeveless summer afternoon dress of intricately cut border printed chiffon. Bodice has a V-neck front and high back closure with four small covered buttons and self fabric loops. Center back is open, exposing a chiffon underlayer with wide tulle straps that closes at waist with five covered buttons. The two layers are seen together and are covered at waist with a decorative back belt that begins at side seams, is secured at waist and hangs free extending 12". The front of the dress is shaped by rows of smocking at center front waist. Bodice ends with shaped cutting of the border print which is turned and handstitched to the skirt. A large godet of solid organza is inserted at center front of skirt. Garment is worn with a form fitting slip with a low back and narrow, flat shoulder straps. The slip bodice is edged with a band of folded cream colored tulle. All seams are machined and finished by hand. Covered metal weights are placed in the side seams.

Object name:
AFTERNOON DRESS
Made from:
Printed chiffon (dress); silk charmeuse (slip)
Made in:
New York, USA
Date made:
1933-35
Size:
H. 62 in. (shoulder to hem front) (slip); H. 62 in. (shoulder to hem back) (slip); H. 15 1/2 in. (shoulder to waist front) (dress); H. 16 in. (shoulder to waist back) (dress); Dia. 27 in. (waist circumference) (dress); H. 41 in. (waist to hem front) (dress); H. 53 in. (waist to hem back) (dress)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:
48.68.1-2
Signature marks:
LABEL: BERGDORF / GOODMAN / FIFTH AVENUE AT 58TH STREET [in side seam of slip] TAG: i paisley chiffon dress and white silk slip [typed, tied to shoulder strap with light blue ribbon]
Credit line:
Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973