Images(2)

Dress

PeriodCirca 1925 - 1930

Place MadePossibly New Jersey, U.S.A.

MediumSilk, silk fringe, rhinestones

Dimensions48 in. (121.9 cm)

ClassificationsCostume, Women's

Credit LineGift of Claire Hecht, 1996

Object number1996.12.8

DescriptionA woman's evening gown of salmon pink silk, including a deep V neckline front and back, sleeveless style, and a relatively unfitted dropped waist. The waist is cut asymmetrically, with a dropped V panel above the left hip area. The silk skirt is cut with a slight flare, and an overlay of deep silk fringe even with the hem. A narrow vertical band of rhinestones is sewn down the center front bodice, with slight gathering of the bodice on either side of the band. Long narrow lengths of fringe hang down the back on both left and right sides, with a vertical narrow band of rhinestones sewn to the tops of the shoulders and the top ends of the fringe, allowing both tassel bunches to swing freely. The gown fastens along the left side, with a vertical row of hooks and eyes.. The dress bodice is fully lined with lightweight ivory silk.
Curatorial RemarksDuring the 1920s, women's fashion silhouette had dramatically transformed from the high-necked Edwardian styles. This change in fashion had, in large part, occurred after World War I, when many women began working outside the home. Increasing mobility of society due to the introduction of affordable automobiles further shifted fashions towards shorter hemlines, lest restrictive corseting, and fabrics that were easier to care for and maintain. This salmon pink silk evening dress is the quintessential "flapper" style most think of when picturing 1920s fashion. The dramatic long fringe of the skirt swayed and moved with every step, while the long, narrow fringe shoulder tassels added to the vibrant movement of the garment. This gown would have been appropriate to wear to an evening event such as a cocktail party, dinner party, or dining and dancing in a nightclub or other venue.NotesThis gown was owned and worn by Edythe Kositchek Koehler (1884 - 1960). Edythe was born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan to Henry and Belle Kositchek. Henry was a highly successful and respected clothing merchant who ran a large department store in downtown Lansing, Michigan for almost fifty years. Edythe married Harold H. Koehler (d. 1953) in 1907. The couple eventually moved to New Jersey, where Harold worked as a successful lawyer in Newark. The couple had several children including a daughter named Claire. Claire Koehler married Arthur S. Hecht and later moved to the Oceanport, Monmouth County, area. She donated many of her mother's fashionable garments to the Association in 1996.

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