Mount Mary University Digital Collections

Mainbocher Collection

Title

Mainbocher Collection

Description

Please click Mainbocher Exhibit to return to the exhibit page that contains thumbnail images of all the items in this collection.

Collection Items

  • A. Off-white silk shantung dress in beige and brown geometric print; sleeveless; two bows at center front neckline; flat bow at center front waistline; pleated and draped skirt; underlined in white silk taffeta. B. Off-white silk shantung jacket in beige and brown geometric print; round Peter Pan collar with ties under collar to form bow; 3/4 length set-in cuffed sleeves; additional panel of white silk taffeta with 3 rows of horsehair in back; lined in silk taffeta; mink trim at bottom; short length.
  • A. Off-white silk shantung dress in beige and brown geometric print; sleeveless; two bows at center front neckline; flat bow at center front waistline; pleated and draped skirt; underlined in white silk taffeta.

    Worn with jacket (Object ID #2004.03.21.b) to form two piece ensemble.
  • A. Black crepe and fringe evening gown; cowl neckline at front; deep V-neckline at back; thin straps wrapped with fringe; straight silhouette; fringe starts at hips and goes down to floor; applied on base in chevron pattern; floor length. B. Black crepe and fringe capelet; fringe applied to base in chevron pattern; hem of capelet is also chevron shaped; center front opening with snap closure at neck; label: "Mainbocher, 12 Avenue George V a Paris"; twill tape bolduc on back of label: "21381- Mrs. Vreeland".

    This ensemble was given to the donor's mother by a wealthy lady she worked for in New York City in the 1920s and '30s. The woman's identity is unknown. A bolduc was found on back of tag with words "Mrs. Vreeland". This dress might have belonged to Diane Vreeland, although this is not confirmed.
  • A. Black crepe and fringe evening gown; cowl neckline at front; deep V-neckline at back; thin straps wrapped with fringe; straight silhouette; fringe starts at hips and goes down to floor; applied on base in chevron pattern; floor length.

    Worn with capelet (Object ID #2015.03.01.b) to form two piece evening ensemble.

    This ensemble was given to the donor's mother by a wealthy lady she worked for in New York City in the 1920s and '30s. The woman's identity is unknown. A bolduc was found on back of tag with words "Mrs. Vreeland". This dress might have belonged to Diane Vreeland, although this is not confirmed.
  • Navy blue crocheted wool lace over white tulle afternoon dress; lace pattern of large round flowers with oblong leaves; large oblong shapes at hips; jewel neckline tucked to shape; sleeveless; natural waistline seam; left side zipper closure; mid-calf length.
  • Navy blue floral lace cocktail dress; square neckline; sleeveless; fitted bodice; waistline seam; waist darts; side zipper closure; full skirt pleated into waist seam; label in skirt; lined in beige taffeta; mid-calf length; couture techniques.
  • White silk satin evening gown with hot pink voided velvet undulating lines and flower heads; jewel neckline; sleeveless; bodice fitted through darts; sewn in belt at waistline seam; center back metal zipper closure; side zipper closure; gathered skirt; unlined; ankle length; label in skirt; couture techniques.

    Worn by Mrs. Carlton Henry of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.