Evening; rose-colored velvet; sleeveless with dropped neckline front and back; rolled hem at neck and sleeve openings; openings edged with gold metallic trim; side seams; appliqued band that forms draped cummerbund effect around hips; band decorated with elaborate design of turquoise blue beads set in gold; beads form circles around most of band but are formed into medallion at center front; additional trimming on band of same trim as in bodice; dropped waist seam; skirt shirred below waist seam; skirt embellished with sequins and metallic cord in elaborate design; deeply scalloped hem, longer in back than front; hem edge bound with pink satin; pink silk lining treated as one with velvet (stitching through both layers); originally had separate pink slip that attached to dress at shoulders with snaps (snaps remain).
Background:
This evening dress was worn by the donor's sister, Mrs. Frederick Keep. Mrs. Crane donated a number of items from her sister's estate to the Smithsonian Institution. Exhibited in the Hall of American Costume from 1964 to 1973.
