Description:
Evening ensemble worn by Florence Chapin Warner (1889-1993) to formal events in the mid-1930s, including those held at the South Deerfield, Massachusetts, chapter of the Eastern Star, the women's organization of Masons (see also 2014.17.3). The ensemble consists of a princess-style sleeveless gown with self fabric floral decoration at the neckline, matching short jacket, matching belt, and a matching slip of rayon twill worn underneath. The gown is cut on the bias as a princess-style sheath, with only two curved vertical skirt seams, located at the center back. An additional piecing is presnt at the proper left hem, to account for the use of the bias at the front. The jacket is cut to fall over the arms with no set-in sleeves, and a deep V-neck in front and elastic gathered waistband. This gown is an important example of formal fashions worn in Franklin County in the early-mid 1930s, documenting the access to fashion even in more rural areas of the United States at this time. Overall length, CF: 51"; hem circumference: 106 3/4"
Label Text:
This evening ensemble was worn by Florence Chapin Warner (1889-1993) to formal events in the mid-1930s. The garment’s soft fabric was pieced and set on the bias (45 degree angle) in many areas to create a draped, almost liquid effect that molded to the figure. Evolving from the tubular styles of the 1920s, dresses from the 1930s became slimmer, with higher waists and longer, flared skirts to create an elongated line.
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+2014.17.2 |
