Browse Items (178 total)
Sort by:
-
Skirt
Pale pink silk taffeta skirt; flared, ankle length. Seam allowances are hand-overcast. There are many threadless stitching lines, suggesting the garment was remodeled from another garment. Probably by Valentina, to be worn under her overskirts. Originally no hem or waistband. To prepare the skirt for an exhibition, Sister Aloyse Hessburg put in a turned, machine-stitched hem and added a pink silk ribbon waistband. -
Dress
Black silk tulle surplice wrap dress; v-shaped neckline, straight bracelet-length sleeves cut on the bias, natural waist seam, five button/loop closures at left side front of surplice wrap (two buttons missing), full length bell skirt. Finished with tiny machined French seams. Worn by Valentina. -
Jacket
White medium-heavy linen jacket; collarless, square set-in sleeves, side front seams, waist seam, hip length, hemline dips at center back seam. Front opening slightly overlaps in V-shape with small notch opening at top of neckline. Three button closure at center front, bound buttonholes, matching fabric-covered buttons. Discoloration at center front closure.
Worn by Lynn Fontanne. Donor was the niece of Lynn Fontanne and Alfred Lunt. -
Evening gown
Pale pink silk organza evening gown ensemble. A. Gown; v-neckline, long full bell sleeves, criss-cross bodice extending into tie belt at center front, very full flared skirt, ankle length. B. Neck sash; 120" long by 5.5" wide, doubled. C. Slip; one layer of organza and one layer of taffeta, V-neckline with 2" strap narrowing to 1" at shoulder, full length. Slight discoloration throughout, torn in several places near waist and bodice. Some patching has been done.
Worn by Lynn Fontanne. Either this version or the white version (Object ID #1983.185) was worn to the 1941 Academy Awards ceremony. Donor was the niece of Lynn Fontanne and Alfred Lunt. -
Evening gown
White silk organza evening gown; V-neckline, long full bell sleeves, full skirt, belt or waist tie made of the same fabric to accompany the gown. Several stains and discoloration throughout.
Worn by Lynn Fontanne. Either this version or the pale pink version (Object ID #1983.184.ABC) was worn to the 1941 Academy Awards. Donor was the niece of Lynn Fontanne and Alfred Lunt. -
Jacket
Red wool fitted jacket; high Mandarin collar, long sleeves darted at shoulders, five button closure at center front, bound buttonholes, covered buttons (two missing), flap pockets at hip. Alteration at center front.
Worn by Lynn Fontanne. Donor was the niece of Lynn Fontanne and Alfred Lunt. -
Cape
Gold silk marquisette burnoose cape; shape is triangular with tip snipped off to form a ‘hood’ or turned back section. Tip folds back over the back of the neck, shorter length at center back, unlined, completely hand finished. Unusual piece. Worn with white charmeuse gown (Object ID #1995.342). Worn by Valentina. -
Gown
A. Purple crepe back satin evening gown; Grecian inspired, very deep U-shaped neckline, sleeveless with shoulder pads. A-line skirt, ankle length. Unlined. B. Very long sash of the same fabric. Possibly worn by Lynn Fontanne. -
Coat
Double-breasted floor-length black wool coat; notched collar with silver fox fur overlay, two oversized buttons slotted at waistline seam. Waist dips at center back. Straight sleeves, full flare skirt. Silk lining. -
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) -
Bolero
Gold silk hopsack bolero jacket; V neckline slightly open at top, asymmetrical front wrap secured with gold hardware style snap hook and metal eyes, drop shoulder sleeves with gussets, dips slightly at center back, unlined, hand finished. Worn by Valentina. -
Jacket
Dark brown wool crepe swing jacket; Chelsea collar with multiple rows of topstitching, drop shoulder sleeves with double gusset, buttonhole opening through collar with bias tube tie closure, two tiny slash pockets, inverted pleat at center back. Multiple rows of topstitching down center front, hemline, and at back yoke. Reversible. Worn by Valentina.