Images(5)

Gown, Dressing

Object number2018.129.3

Retailer The Foster Shop

Date1930-1939

OriginPittsburgh, PA

MediumFabric; Chiffon; Satin; Ceramic; Glaze; String; Metal

Credit LineGift of Louise P. Meyer

DescriptionFloor-length patterned fabric dressing gown. Kimono-style, open down front. Wide, open sleeves. Fabric is polychrome pattern of green, blue-green, navy blue, red, and yellow with embroidered polychrome trim in metallic gold, orange, blue, red, purple, and turquoise along front opening and on back. Embroidered pink, blue, and light yellow applied leaf decorations at the back of the neck, bottom of each sleeve, and at the center of proper right front panel's edge; the latter supports a suspended tassel constructed of a black twisted string with polychrome glazed ceramic beads above tassel body of pink, yellow, green, and black strings. Metal snap connects top of tassel to center of proper left front panel for front closure. Interior is lined with green chiffon fabric. Interior has green waistband with straps.DimensionsHeight x Width: 53.5 x 39.75 in. (135.9 x 101 cm)
MarksInterior's green waistband has rectangular white label at back center with blue embroidered text "F / THE / Foster / SHOP / PITTSBURGH".
Historical NotesThis 1930s dressing gown has a Foster Shop tag. The Foster Shop was a high-end women’s clothing store that was in the Schenley Apartments Building (the building opened in 1923) on Bigelow Boulevard, it closed in 1939. Part of a collection of women’s clothing that possibly belonged to donor Louise P. Meyer’s “Aunt Bessie,” her mother’s sister. Most items date from c. 1925 to c. 1935 and belonged to the aunt. She was tall and many of the pieces were made for her and reflect her love of fashion.

Subjects

Terms

On View

Not on view