Medium: Black silk crepe, taffeta, multicolor satin

Date: 1942

Country: USA

Credit: Museum purchase

The austerity of this wartime evening dress is countered by the stripes of intense color that line the draped overskirt, creating an effect that is both playful and dramatic. As a costume and fashion designer, Irene understood the impact of a bold gesture. She created this dress while designing for the custom salon at Bullocks Wilshire in Los Angeles, where she catered to the Hollywood elite that included Rosalind Russell, who purportedly wore it.

Object Number: P84.17.5