Evening Dress, circa 1935
Donated by Betty Drummond
Gloves, circa 1939
Donated by Louise Johnson

The Depression caused most Americans to re-use and recycle their garments. Much of the fashionable dressing was left to the very well-to-do. Those with the means to purchase new clothing found the prevailing influence to be summed up in the word "glamor."

The powerful movie star images held sway with young and old alike, and a dress such as this one in brown velvet has its origins in the desire to identify with the Hollywood screen stars. The slinky, body-hugging nature of bias-cut material is much in evidence throughout this decade. With skirts so narrow and droopy, the shoulders were called upon to take on visual importance. Nearly all the ruffles, flourishes and other details of this era emphasized this area of the body. The gloves, of brown cotton, reach 9" above the wrist. The dramatic length completes the glamorous look.