Uniform
Designer
Mainbocher
(1890 - 1976)
1942
Navy blue wool twill, off white rayon, and brass metal
Gift of Mrs. C.W. Vernon Jr.
Object number84.203.1
In 1942, American-born couturier Mainbocher designed the uniform for the U.S. Navy’s W.A.V.E.S. (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). He made his uniform from the same navy blue wool used for male officers' uniforms, and it was widely lauded for its fashionable aesthetic. According to the W.A.V.E.S. commanding officer, Lieut. Comdr. Mildred H. McAfee, it was cut to be both “becoming and functional.”
DescriptionUniform for W.A.V.E.S., Women's U.S. Navy. Navy blue wool twill suit jacket, with brass buttons and light blue embroidery. Navy blue wool twill A-line skirt. Tapered blouse in off white rayon. Two-piece button on wide necktie in navy blue faille. Necktie in black rayon faille; hemmed elongated bias hexagon, to be folded in quarters lengthwise. Scarf in off white silk.Collections
Exhibitions