-
Four Leaf Clover
Charles James, born 1906 - died 1978 - Enlarge image
Four Leaf Clover
- Object:
Evening dress
- Place of origin:
USA, USA (Made)
- Date:
1953 (Made)
- Artist/Maker:
Charles James, born 1906 - died 1978 (Designer)
- Materials and Techniques:
Satin, faille and velvet, supported with nylon mesh and boning, lined with cotton flannel and taffeta
- Credit Line:
Given by the Art Students League
- Museum number:
T.276-1974
- Gallery location:
In Storage
Physical description
Evening dress of white satin and faille with black velvet appliqué. The bodice is strapless and the skirt very full. The gown is constructed from thirty pattern pieces. The bodice exterior is of cream satin with cotton flannel, satin lining and is boned.
The skirt exterior of cream satin peplum and black velvet, with nylon mesh support and taffeta slip. The large flounces are supported by boning.
Place of Origin
USA, USA (Made)
Date
1953 (Made)
Artist/maker
Charles James, born 1906 - died 1978 (Designer)
Materials and Techniques
Satin, faille and velvet, supported with nylon mesh and boning, lined with cotton flannel and taffeta
Object history note
In a letter of 1971, James said: "This design represents the 'bringing' together of many parts from which a whole series of designs had been made… It seemed to me to be somewhat of a thesis and as such has been programmed as the last design I intent to make."
This model is also in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York and was shown in the exhibition The Art of Fashion 1968, no.116.
Descriptive line
Evening dress of satin with velvet appliqué, 'Four Leaf Clover', designed by Charles James, United States, 1953.
Exhibition History
Fashion: an anthology by Cecil Beaton (Victoria and Albert Museum 01/01/1972-31/12/1972)
Associated names
Cecil Beaton
Materials
Cotton; Velvet; Satin; Taffeta; Nylon net; Whalebone
Techniques
Weaving; Sewing; Pleating; Boning
Categories
Clothing; Fashion; Evening wear
Production Type
Haute couture
Collection code
T&F
