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Black wool dinner dress designed by Claire McCardell (1905-1958) for the label 'Claire McCardell Clothes by Townley.' Many of McCardell’s designs during World War II were famed for their usefulness to women in the workforce, like buttonless, foldable sleeves and reinforced double topstitching; continued to be used long after the War ended. McCardell gained a…

Black wool dinner dress designed by Claire McCardell (1905-1958) for the label 'Claire McCardell Clothes by Townley.' Many of McCardell’s designs during World War II were famed for their usefulness to women in the workforce, like buttonless, foldable sleeves and reinforced double topstitching; continued to be used long after the War ended. McCardell gained a… Side view Side view Back view

Dinner dress

Description

Black wool dinner dress designed by Claire McCardell (1905-1958) for the label 'Claire McCardell Clothes by Townley.' Many of McCardell’s designs during World War II were famed for their usefulness to women in the workforce, like buttonless, foldable sleeves and reinforced double topstitching; continued to be used long after the War ended. McCardell gained a reputation for sensible clothes that were also stylish and elegant. Born in Frederick, Maryland, McCardell pioneered the creation of casual, comfortable American sportswear for women.

Creator

Date

circa 1948

Contributor(s)

Contributor(s) Notes

Townley Frocks (manufacturer)

Materials

Black wool, 5 plastic buttons, metal zipper.

Dimensions

Sleeve 16 inches, collar 13.5 inches, shoulder 18 inches, bust 33 inches, waist 28 inches, skirt length 46 inches, hem 26.5 inches.

Object ID

1998.30

Accession Number

1998.30

Resource ID

22072

Credit Line

Gift of Nancy Ackler, 1998.30.

Digital Publisher

Digital resource provided by the Maryland Center for History and Culture

Rights

This digital image is made available here for private study, scholarship, and research. Commercial and other uses are prohibited without the permission of the Maryland Center for History and Culture. For more information, visit the MCHC’s Reproductions and Permissions web page.