1930s Yellow Georgette Evening Dress

This dress is a deep yellow georgette evening gown with a matching slip from the 1930s. The sheer gown is made of georgette, which is a chiffon crepe, and is light and transparent with an extremely fluid quality. The slip is made from viscose/acetate with a basket weave, and is cut on the bias.

The gown fastens down the left side with three small snaps, sewn into a lapped opening starting just under the arm and ending at the hip. The result is a smooth gown with no visible closures. From the bust of the gown down, the dress clings to the body and falls smoothly. The skirt is cut on the bias, enabling it to fit closely through the hips and waist, yet flare at the hemline. The skirt has two side seams, which start on the side under the arm, but aim towards the back of the garment as they near the hemline.

The simple skirt is accented by an eye-catching neckline, which is the most noticeable aspect of the dress. The neckline is bateau-shaped along the neck, but continues off the shoulder and circles under the arm, to form the sleeve opening. It is decorated with a one-and-a-half inch wide ruffle that runs the length of the neckline and sleeve openings, in both the front and back of the dress. The gown has a modified empire waistline, in that it is cut in an upside-down "U" shape, in the front only. The bodice of the gown is gathered above this waistline at the center. The gown has a matching sash held in place by two thread belt loops located at either side.

The matching slip of the gown is very simple, with a scoop neckline cut slightly deeper than the outer dress. The slip, made from viscose/acetate, is shiny and opaque, unlike the outer dress which is matte and sheer.

Project by Ines Kuperschmit
Professor: Kathryn Rohe
Spring, 1998