Adrian, Gilbert;1950's White rayon dress with bolero

Description

Adrian white rayon crepe evening dress with matching bolero jacket, trimmed with metallic cord, gold beads and gold kid leather in swirling lines, paisley and oat stalks pattern; DRESS- trimming all done after the garment was constructed; sleeveless with flat, narrow straps decorated with cord and beads; front bodice edge has slightly V shape, wide waist yoke and waistline seam that curves downward; floor length skirt with center front vent; back bodice edge is straight across the back with center zipper opening and three hooks & eyes; bodice lined with white silk crepe; seam allowances are finished with hand overcasting. BOLERO JACKET- trimming all done after the body of the coat was constructed (sleeve decoration done before garment was constructed); neckline is slightly raised around neck, front opening fastens with hook/loop at neck, then opens into the shape of and a shield, fastening below the open area with four hooks/loops; short sleeves; lined with self fabric; shoulder pads covered with flesh-colored fabric, pads have strap carriers with snaps; rayon crepe.

Source

HCT.1994.778.1ab

Provenance

This dress belonged to Esther "Bunny" Caniff. Esther was born in Ohio on 7/3/1905 to Henrietta and Jacob Parsons. Bunny married Milton Caniff in 1930. They were high school sweethearts who eloped after graduation from The Ohio State University. Milton was an extremely successful cartoonist and they moved to New York City in 1932. Milton created several long-running comic strips including Dickie Dare.