Anita Carolyn Blair wore this dress to the debut of Gladys High in Chicago, a bold and possibly scandalous choice that would have upstaged the young woman hosting the party.
Dior, Christian (designer); Christian Dior, Inc. (designer)
1947
Ballerina Maria Tallchief donated this dress, the Museum's only piece from Dior's historic first collection. Tallchief was prima ballerina of the New York City Ballet for eighteen years and later became the artistic director of Chicago's Lyric...
Bridesmaid gown for the wedding of Mary Seymour Adams, daughter of donor, and George Berkely Young at St. James Episcopal Church, March 24, 1944. The bridesmaids were: Mrs. Cyrus Hall (Harriet Haynes) Adams III; Mrs. Gerald V. (Elizabeth Armour)...
Brought from Paris and part of the trousseau of Carolyn Baum (born August 7, 1909 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, died March 28, 1993). She was married on November 15, 1925 in Chicago to Modie Joseph Spiegel, Jr. (born January 29, 2901, died...
Carrie Lannon wore this dress in 1998 to the Fashion Group International's 13th annual gala at Chicago's Four Season's Hotel. Lannon co-chaired the event, which honored the Ferragamo family for their excellence in fashion and accessory design. To...
James, Charles, 1906-1978 (designer); Marshall Field & Company (distributor)
1954
Charles James originally designed the Butterfly ball gown for Mrs. William Randolph Hearst Jr., for the price of $1,250. The sculptural design lives up to a comment once made by Spanish couturier Cristbal Balenciaga, "Charles James is not only the...
Dior, Christian (designer); Christian Dior, Inc. (designer)
circa 1955
Christian Dior was especially fond of his very wealthy clients who could afford to be dressed from head to toe with Dior products. The House of Dior offered the fashionable woman a full range of clothing, accessories, and even perfume. For some...
Court presentation dress worn by donor Mrs. Charles S. Dewey when presented at the Court of St. James in 1927 while her husband was Assistant Secretary of the United States Treasury Department. This kind of dress, with its dropped waistline and...
Designed initially in black silk chiffon and tulle, this gown became James's most executed custom order. Vogue featured the garment in 1951. James's wife, Nancy, wore it in the mid 1950s and he created at least one version with a cocktail-length...
Donor Franc Reece married John Roger Williams on June 19, 1901. Corset was bought at Marshall Field & Co. and part of her trousseau. It was never worn.
Yves Saint Laurent (Firm) (designer); Marshall Field & Company (distributor)
1966
Donor Genevieve W. Urbain served as Vice President and Fashion Director of Marshall Field & Co. The dress was a signature piece for the launching of Yves Saint Laurent's nautical look and was the most publicized garment of all the collection. Ms....
During a visit to the Museum in 1974, James noted that this dress was originally created for Marjorie Merriweather Post. A review of the interior shows numerous alterations, including a large reduction in the overall size of the torso and hips. ...
