Day Dress
ca. 1950 (designed)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Unusual, coiled straw buttons emphasise the shaped cross-over bodice of this cool linen summer dress. The entire skirt is decorated with regularly placed, matching buttons. The light, natural colour of the straw stands out in marked contrast to the black fabric, transforming a classic design into a stiking garment. It belonged to the actor Miss Martita Hunt, who must have enjoyed wearing it.
Jacques Heim, who designed the dress, was born in Paris. He began to extend his parents' establishment, which specialised in furs, into a couture house in 1920. In 1935 he moved to 15 avenue Matignon, Paris, and launched 'Heim Jeunes Filles' in 1936. His business closed in 1969.
Jacques Heim, who designed the dress, was born in Paris. He began to extend his parents' establishment, which specialised in furs, into a couture house in 1920. In 1935 he moved to 15 avenue Matignon, Paris, and launched 'Heim Jeunes Filles' in 1936. His business closed in 1969.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Linen, with straw buttons and metal zip |
| Brief description | Linen dress trimmed with roundels, Heim Actualité, France, ca. 1950 |
| Physical description | An afternoon dress made from fine black linen, mid calf length. The neckline is cut low in the front where it is trimmed with crossing bands cut in one with the bodice. The sleeves are very short and plain set in with a point at front and back bodice. The dress is fitted to the natural waist from which the skirt flares from a central front and back seam. The dress is trimmed with roundels formed of wound straw plait. The dress fastens at the centre back with a black metal and linen zip. There is a black metal hook and eye at the top. The label is stitched inside the back seam. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Production type | Ready to wear |
| Marks and inscriptions | HEIM Actualité
Paris Cannes Biarritz |
| Credit line | Given by Miss Catherine Hunt |
| Object history | Historical significance: This dress has historical significance because it is a rare and early model from the designer's ready-made range, Heim Actualite. |
| Production | Made by Heim Actualité |
| Summary | Unusual, coiled straw buttons emphasise the shaped cross-over bodice of this cool linen summer dress. The entire skirt is decorated with regularly placed, matching buttons. The light, natural colour of the straw stands out in marked contrast to the black fabric, transforming a classic design into a stiking garment. It belonged to the actor Miss Martita Hunt, who must have enjoyed wearing it. Jacques Heim, who designed the dress, was born in Paris. He began to extend his parents' establishment, which specialised in furs, into a couture house in 1920. In 1935 he moved to 15 avenue Matignon, Paris, and launched 'Heim Jeunes Filles' in 1936. His business closed in 1969. |
| Bibliographic reference | Mendes, V., & Wilcox, C., 'Modern Fashion in Detail' (V&A Publications: London, 1991), p.78 - ISBN 1851770321 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.117-1970 |
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| Record created | December 15, 1999 |
| Record URL |
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