Woman's Ensemble: Playsuit and Jacket

Special Exhibition Galleries, second floor (Dorrance Galleries)

Main Building

Woman's Ensemble: Playsuit and Jacket

Late 1940s - early 1950s

The antithesis of the formal or fussy, Claire McCardell's carefree clothes redefined mid-century American fashion. Her playsuits, which first appeared in resort collections of the early 1940s, were enduringly popular in many variations. This outfit is cut on the bias (the diagonal of the fabric) to produce striking patterns against the vivid red. Liberal use of elastic, such as in the neckline and shoulder straps of the romper, makes the garments easy to wear, while the short jacket is closed by McCardell's signature brass hooks and eyes.

Special Exhibition Galleries, second floor (Dorrance Galleries)

Object Details

Titles:

Woman's Ensemble: Playsuit and Jacket

Date:

Late 1940s - early 1950s

Artists:

Medium:

Cotton plain weave

Dimensions:

Center Back Length (a: romper): 23 inches (58.4 cm) Waist (a: romper): 30 inches (76.2 cm)

Classification:

Costume (including accessories)

Credit Line:

Gift of Helene Holland-Morritz, 1998

Accession Number:

1998-95-2a,b

Geography:

Made in United States, North and Central America

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Special Exhibition Galleries, second floor (Dorrance Galleries)

Main Building

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