Object: Dress
Designer:
Vera Maxwell
(1901 - 1995)
Date: 1975
Medium: Black wool jersey and brown satin
Country: USA
Credit Line: Gift of Vera Maxwell
Object number: 79.49.63
DescriptionMaxi dress with black wool jersey bodice, brown satin skirt, cuffs and sash belt
Label Text:Vera Maxwell was a leading, mid-century American sportswear designer. Prior to her entry into fashion, she was a member of the Metropolitan Opera Ballet between 1919 and 1924. She also worked as a model and began sketching for clothing manufacturers before opening her eponymous firm in 1947. Like her fellow female designers, Maxwell’s output was inspired by sports and the modern American lifestyle. Her work also reflected ballerinas’ practice clothing. Leotards, leggings, and wrapped tops were the inspiration for outfits such this evening dress with a jersey top and full, floor-length skirt.
In Collection(s)
Exhibitions:
- Ballerina: Fashion's Modern Muse