Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2005.007.002.b |
Object Name |
Belt |
Description |
This belt corresponds with a sleeveless day dress with pink psychedelic swirls made as part of an ensemble with coatdress 2005.007.002.c. It was designed by Elinor Simmons for Malcom Starr and made in Hong Kong. The dress is made in two main parts, the bodice made of thick knit and the skirt comprised of a gathered chiffon. Both fabrics are printed in pink, red, and white waves that offer a marbled effect. There are three buttons down the front with faux-ruby gems. A fabric covered belt (.b) snakes through two loops on each hip and the buckle attaches to the dress with a small square of plastic Velcro. There is a zipper down the back. The inside of the dress is lined with a cream satin. The flared skirt appears to be a holdover from the fuller skirts of the 1950s, a preferred shape of Elinor Simmons' "feminine" designs. This opposed the popular "boyish" silhouettes of the sheath dresses of the era. The psychedelic fabric indicates this outfit is likely from the later 1960s. Malcom Starr took over the company when his father, Frank Starr, died around 1963. Soon after taking the helm, Malcom was an early adopter of the Asian-manufacturing of American fashion. At this time Hong Kong was under British colonial control which lasted until the 1990s. Any silk in the garment would likely be from China, but would have been marketed as being from Hong Kong. The actual making of the dress would have been in Hong Kong itself. |
Date |
c. 1960s |
Collection |
Mettetal Family Collection |
Place of Origin |
USA & Hong Kong |
Material |
polyester, metal |
Subjects |
costume, clothing, and textiles |
Made |
Elinor Simmons for Malcolm Starr, Hong Kong |