Claire mccardell

Claire McCardell's classic book What Shall I Wear? originally written in 1956, was republished by Overlook Press in November 2012. I w...

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McCardell's classic day-to-evening dress is a synthesis of the unassuming drawstring peasant blouse and the chic Empire silhouette achieved through spaghetti-string tying at the waist and collar. Is she Esmeralda or Madame Récamier? In fact, she is both vernacular and commonplace and extraordinary

Beachwear by Claire McCardell, photographed Louise Dahl-Wolfe for Harper's Bazaar (1946).

Claire McCardell cocktail ensemble in cotton. 1947. Townley Frocks, designer Renee Montague. Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Claire McCardell, 1956

Dress, Claire McCardell (American, 1905–1958), made by Townley Frocks (American): 1949, American, wool. "A modified monastic-style, this dress is somewhat shapeless without the spaghetti ties, which wrap multiple times around the waist. There are no waist or dart lines, and the collar with button closure is the only clear signifier identifying the front of the dress from the back. The heavy pleating at the center of the dress is very reminiscent of the designer Alix..."

From the full skirt through the clinging wrap of the bodice, McCardell has here demonstrated her acute understanding of Madame Grès and Madeleine Vionnet. In fact, the wrapping in this dress, while variable according to the needs of the individual body of the wearer, gives the effect of being as precisely calculated and measured as any product of the couture

Woman's day ensemble of jersey skirt and matching jersey jumper, designed by Claire McCardell, New York City, ca. 1950