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EVENING DRESS

Creator(s): Baker (Designer)

Currently in storage


About this object

Marjorie Merriweather Post wore this dress at her presentation to society at age 16. For her birthday party, she wore the dress in the center, shown here from the back.

This Edwardian, two-piece evening dress was worn by Marjorie Merriweather Post on her sixteenth birthday. The garment is constructed in white spotted tulle on a boned foundation of ivory silk taffeta with a stiffened satin lining. Horizontal bands of plain tulle and ruched satin ribbon trim the bodice, sleeves, and skirt. Vertical bands of tulle edged with cream silk velvet with seed pearls, coral beads, and rhinestones are applied to the bodice as well as the skirt panels. The dress would have been worn over a straight-fronted corset and a soft petticoat to create the S-bend shape. To emphasize this shape, 1/8 inch tucks on the skirt are pressed toward the center front and the bodice is slightly pigeon-breasted in shape. The bodice fastens edge to edge at center back with alternating hooks and eyes. The dress is very similar in style and fabric to 48.13.

Object name:
EVENING DRESS
Made from:
Spotted tulle -- silk taffeta
Made in:
Washington, USA
Date made:
1903
Size:
H. 15 in. (shoulder to waist front); H. 15 in. (shoulder to waist back); Dia. 23 in. (waist circumference); H. 42 in. (waist to hem front); H. 50 in. (waist to hem back); Dia. 180 in. (hem circumference)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:
48.8.1-2
Signature marks:
LABEL: Baker Washington, D.C. [on waist tape] TAG: My first ballgown [attached to inside of skirt at waist, handwritten by MMP] Tag was photographed by Ed Owens. INSCRIPTION: Cream point de espret one piece / first real evening dress /Creampoint de espret 2 piece / coral trim first ball gown [Typed note taped to garment, the second reference being to this dress. The first reference is probably to 48.13]
Credit line:
Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973