Background
Taking inspiration from his textiles rather than fashion fads, Mainbocher relied on his personal fashion philosophies to achieve variety in each new collection. Executed in the designer’s signature rose red, this evening dress, with its unpressed pleats and soft, petal-like peplum evokes a flower.
Description
Mid-calf length; strapless, sweetheart neckline; fitted bodice; wrap-effect peplum with rounded front overlap, concealed left side closure; full skirt with grouped pleats; large self-fabric bow at center front of bodice; left side zipper closure; peplum and skirt lined in rose faille taffeta; boned bodice lining in cream faille taffeta; cream grosgrain waistband.
Garment structure
The closely fitted boned bodice is backed with faille taffeta; the circular cut peplum is sewn to its back. The peplum front is pleated to a self-fabric band and is finished with rounded ends which overlap, right over left, ending almost at the side seam. The upper bodice back gently rounds toward the front.
Concealed by the peplum, the skirt top has grouped pleats, with an inverted pleat at center front and box pleats at the sides, and is extremely full.
This original house model has pinked dress seams that are machine zig-zag finished. It was purchased by the donor, a favorite client, following Mainbocher’s closing in 1971, and subsequently lengthened for her use.
Made for donor.
Gift of Ms. Lillian Tucker, 2004.