Evening gown
Designer
Karl Davis
(died 1987)
Fall 1986
Wool jersey and gold tone metal
Gift of Mr. & Mrs. Lembert Davis
Object number89.148.4
“The most frustrating side of being a struggling young designer on Seventh Avenue is obviously not having enough money and putting up with the politics,” lamented designer Karl Davis. His body-conscious dress is a fresh take on classic nautical knitwear, with nods to one of his favorite couturiers, Chanel. Davis succumbed to AIDS at age 23, after presenting only six collections. This piece is from his final collection.
DescriptionBlack wool knit sleeveless column shape evening dress, high turtleneck and center back zipper, off white jersey and gold tone buttons in double c shape similar to Chanel gold chain buttonsExhibitions