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)...
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...
