Charles James 1953 Cavanaugh Dress Form
A 12 model 1953 Palmenberg Cavanaugh Collapsible dress form. Ecru linen and canvas outer cover over wood inner. Metal topper with hole in the center over the neck and three holes at the bottom of the base. Pencil lines from use. Cotton twill pinned around waist. Measurements (approximate): bust-35, waist-26, hips-33. Length from center back to bottom edge of the base- 33.
After perfecting the art of construction from his Queens millinery shop in the late 1920s, Charles James brought his knack for sculpture and structure into dress making itself. Highly mathematical, calculated forms and architectural figures distinguish the Jamesian gown. Often flitting between New York and London, James' ubiquitous influence on design cannot be understated; his dedication to creating shape within the garment has been credited as Christian Dior's inspiration for the post-war New Look.
36 x 15 x 8 inches
PROVENANCE From The Collection of Doris Raymond
Description courtesy of Julien's Auctions
This is the beginning of my series around the pieces I've acquired via Julien's Auctions! Part of what gets me excited about these pieces is digging into the history behind them!
circa 1953, United States
TO.14.15.16.30