Evening Gown
PeriodCirca 1932 - 1935
Place MadeNew Jersey, U.S.A.
MediumSilk velvet, voided silk velvet, cotton, silk
Dimensions34 × 28 in. (86.4 × 71.1 cm)
ClassificationsCostume, Women's
Credit LineGift of Georgeana Hess Fleckner, 2001
Object number2001.13.2
DescriptionA woman's dress, of dark olive green silk velvet. The gown is constructed with a draped neckline with a weighted tab sewn to the inside neck edge, forming the proper draping. The bias-cut bodice and skirt are sewn together along the waist with a V seam. The gown's elbow-length sleeves are of golden yellow voided velvet over pale brown silk crepe lining, the edges of the sleeve gathered and sewn to the lining to create gathers and puffs. The gown's skirt is ankle-length and flares slightly towards the hem. The gown closes with a single button and loop at the keyhole back neckline.Curatorial RemarksThis simple evening gown, made in or around 1932, relies upon the bias cut and draping of the lightweight silk velvet, a dramatic change from the boxy, low-waisted fashions of the previous decade. A small metal weight is sewn onto a tab attached to the inside center of the neckline, pulling the fabric into graceful folds. Because the gown's fabric was cut on the bias (diagonal rather than with the fabric's grain), the garment stretched easily, hugging the wearer's body before flaring slightly to the ankles.NotesThis elegant evening gown was owned and worn by Georgeanna Hess Fleckner. Born on December 10, 1906 in Englishtown, Monmouth County, New Jersey, Georgeanna married William P. Fleckner in 1929. The couple had two daughters and remained married for 72 years. Georgeanna and her husband lived in Oceanport for most of their married life. She worked as a supervisor for New Jersey Bell Telephone and was a member of the Shrewsbury Towne Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Georgeanna Hess Fleckner died at the age of 94 in on September 8, 2001.
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