Lot 790
Charles James for Samuel Winston Evening Gown
Circa 1952
The strapless bodice of teal blue taffeta gathered into variously angled folds and ruffled at top edge, descending to point at center front and back, the skirt of black velvet tightly fitted at hip, with stiffened flounce flaring outward below knee, separate net underslip with knife pleated satin flounce, size 4, skirt and slip labeled: Samuel Winston By Charles James.
Very good condition, slight fading to bodice, minor tears at slip waist.
In 1952, Charles James contracted with Samuel Winston to create thirty designs for a ready to wear line of day and evening clothes to be shown at the Winston showrooms at 530 7th Avenue. The collaboration lasted for a short time, ending in a law suit in 1954. See Elizabeth Ann Coleman, The Genius of Charles James, pp.93, 94.
Mrs. Charles (Janet) James, Jr. wore an identical dress to the opening of the Charles James exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum, October, 1982. See "A Celebration of Charles James," The New York Times, October 15, 1982.