Worth, Charles Frédérick, 1825-1895 (designer); Worth and Bobergh (designer)
1861
Although married in Chicago in 1858, it was not until 1874 that the McCormick family constructed a permanent Chicago residence. They had homes in both New York and Washington and traveled abroad extensively, particularly to European expositions at...
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)...
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...
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...
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....
Dress was worn by Mary Jemima "Mima" Malcolm for her marriage to Thomas Raffington on January 4, 1863. Wear marks indicate that this dress was worn many times following the wedding.
