Browse Items (350 total)
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Skirt
Black silk satin wrap-around over-skirt; worn with the opening at center front, does not completely close. Extended ties fasten at center front, bustle-like effect at center back with pleated and weighted material, Made from one continuous piece of fabric, full length. Design was still in progress. Possibly worn over pink taffeta skirt (Object ID #2008.01.44). Worn by Valentina. -
Dress
Black silk chiffon fit and flare cocktail dress; band collar with attached tie that pleats into the neckline, underlined with silk crepe. Bodice has halter effect, very bare in back. Dolman sleeves, bias ties stitched down at back waistline, then released. Natural waist dips at center back, gathered skirt, knee length, underlined with silk crepe. Worn by Valentina. -
Overdress and underdress
Black silk tulle surplice wrap overdress; jewel neckline, straight long sleeves, hook and eye closure at left side front. Gathered skirt with stabilized waistband, mid-calf length. Finished with tiny machine-sewn French seams. Worn over underdress (Object ID #1995.331). Worn by Valentina. -
Skirt suit
Brown linen skirt suit. A. Jacket; collarless, square set-in sleeves, seaming at back creates a peplum shape, three 1/2" covered buttons and bound buttonhole closure at center front. B. Skirt; dirndl style, large pleat worked as part of each inset pocket.
Worn by Lynn Fontanne. Donor was the niece of Lynn Fontanne and Alfred Lunt. -
Bolero
White heavily ribbed silk bengaline bolero jacket; jewel neckline, shoulder yoke, ¾ length set-in sleeves, center front opening with no closures, hip length, extra piece under the arms, unlined except for a piece of muslin across the shoulders. Worn by Valentina. -
Suit
Beige and dark brown hand-woven wool tweed suit; yarn appears hand spun with large slubs. A. Jacket; cardigan shape, collarless, six plastic beige buttons and hand stitched buttonholes, slash pocket vents in the back on the princess line. B. Skirt; waist facing, center back zipper, one slash pocket on the right-hand side, separate silk lining attached to the waist facing. Label Valentina. -
Evening coat
Black silk taffeta evening coat; A-line trapeze shape, jewel neckline, tucks off of neckline; one button and bound buttonhole closure at center front neck, short batwing sleeves with tucks, A-line skirt with deep pleats at underarm side seams, hidden pockets, tea length, appears to have been re-lined. Worn by Valentina. -
Skirt
A. Red silk taffeta tartan plaid skirt with green, yellow and white stripes. Dirndl skirt; gathered waist, knee length, has many small pleats, hem narrowly turned under once but not sewn, pins holding seam at the center back, unlined, unfinished. Red grosgrain ribbon hanging from the waist, likely meant as a waistband, white Valentina label. Worn by Valentina.
Worn with kerchief (Object ID #1995.383.B) -
Three piece ensemble
Warp print white taffeta gown with pattern of bouquets of light blue roses with green leaves, rosebuds scattered about. A. Halter top bodice; jewel neckline with center front slit, low back with a long center back zipper. Lined in slubby silk plain weave. B. Long skirt; gathered into straight waistband, side inseam pockets, ankle length, unlined, hand finished. C. Stole; rectangular. Possibly this material was pleated and attached to the back of the halter top to form a bustle. Worn by Valentina. -
Pantsuit
Brown silk shantung pantsuit. A. Cardigan style jacket; jewel neckline, hidden placket buttons at center front, ¾ length set-in straight sleeves, two patch pockets at hipline. Lined with brown taffeta. B. Long slacks; straight legs, no waistband, double gusset at crotch, center front fly zipper opening. Unlined. Worn by Valentina. This ensemble does not have her couture construction techniques. -
Suit
Brown wool bouclé suit. A. Cardigan jacket; jewel neckline with one button closure at center front, drop shoulder sleeves, two single welt diagonal pockets, fingertip length, unlined. Hong Kong seam finishes. B. A-line skirt; high rise waist with no band, one double welt pocket at right hip, no side seams, midcalf length. Worn by Valentina. -
Cocktail dress
Black silk brocade cocktail dress; black floral damask of rose bouquets in twill. Sheath-style sleeveless dress; bateau neckline with deep center front slit. Bodice shaped with both vertical and horizontal darting, deep plunging V-back, center back zipper closure with a fabric loop over the top of the zipper, unlined. Worn by Valentina.
From Valentina's wardrobe but does not have the hand finishing of her couture house. -
Evening coat
Beige silk gazierre evening coat; cardigan style, convertible collar, dolman sleeves, clutch, no center front closure, unusual seaming, inseam pockets; midcalf length, lined with silk taffeta. Lustrous thread in fabric gives subtle shine. Small red stains near pockets. Worn by Valentina. -
Stole
Royal blue silk shantung stole with flocked black linear daisy pattern; Pelerine type; shaped triangle with black silk taffeta linging used as binding; double snap closure. Possibly not designed by Valentina due to different construction techniques. Worn by Valentina.