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A blue floral wrap-style dress, made in silk chiffon, and designed by Claire McCardell (1905­–1958) for Townley Frocks (manufacturer). Born in Frederick, Maryland, McCardell pioneered the creation of casual, comfortable American sportswear for women. McCardell was unique in her approach to wartime fashions, rebelling against the austere masculine styles of the day, and creating flowing…

Dress

Description

A blue floral wrap-style dress, made in silk chiffon, and designed by Claire McCardell (1905­–1958) for Townley Frocks (manufacturer). Born in Frederick, Maryland, McCardell pioneered the creation of casual, comfortable American sportswear for women. McCardell was unique in her approach to wartime fashions, rebelling against the austere masculine styles of the day, and creating flowing feminine silhouettes like this. McCardell repurposed industrial hook-and-eyes on the dress' side closure, responding to the rationing of zippers during World War II.

Creator

Date

circa 1940s

Contributor(s)

Contributor(s) Notes

Townley Frocks (manufacturer)

Materials

Silk

Object ID

2022.25.3

Accession Number

2022.25

Resource ID

21119

Credit Line

Gift of Mrs. Marlene Young, 2022.

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.