Cocktail Gown
PeriodCirca 1950 -1955
Place MadeNew York, New York, U.S.A.
MediumTaffeta, cotton, nylon netting, crystal beading, sequins
Dimensions44 in. (111.8 cm)
ClassificationsCostume, Women's
Credit LineGift of the Estate of Anne Haskell Ellis, 2007
Object number2007.5.15
DescriptionA woman's cocktail gown, of rich bright orange polyester taffeta. The gown is constructed with a fitted sleeveless bodice with a low square neckline, rear zipper closure, and a full gored below-knee skirt with attached underpetticoat of orange nylon tulle netting. The entire bodice and skirt is beaded with silver and colorless crystal bugle beads, sequins, and applied scrollwork embroidery. The garment is tagged "Martini Designed" sewn into the side skirt seam.Curatorial RemarksThis gown, in a stunning orange taffeta and extensively ornamented with applique scrollwork, sequins, and bugle beads, was the creation of Sylvan L. Rich of Martini Designed, Inc. Rich was born on 14 January, 1902, in San Francisco, the son of Maurice and Anna Reich. Maurice Reich owned and operated Reich-Lievre, a successful chain of women's apparel stores in California prior to the Great Depression. Maurice's three sons, Joseph, LeRoy, and Sylvan all followed in his footsteps in the garment industry. Sylvan worked as the New York agent, representative, and buyer for his father's company until striking out on his own. Rich opened Miracle Stores in San Franciso. The business was short-lived, and Rich sold the company in 1929. He relocated to the East Coast, and by 1929 was living in Connecticut while operating his business at 498 Seventh Avenue in Manhattan. Rich married Eleanor Levi on 30 March 1933. The couple had one daughter, Carla, who was born in 1934. Rich was mentioned frequently in newspaper articles and advertisements as the genius behind Martini Designed, Inc. He specialized in designing garments for petite women. He also designed sewing patterns for several companies during the late 1940s and 1950s. In 1953, Rich was listed as the costume designer for "Guerrilla Girl." Sylvan Rich died on 2 September 2002 in California.
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