Poster dresses
/ 20th Century Revivals
Design scholar Elizabeth Guffey observes in her book Retro: The Culture of Revival that revivals are occurring with greater and greater frequency, and increasingly draw on the not-so-distant past.

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Halston’s streamlined—some say minimalist—fashions are often equated with modernity. Yet, they share elements in common with glamorous evening dresses of the 1930s. Often made in alluring, shiny fabrics, 1930s dresses emphasized the curves of a woman’s body, revealing the back through low necklines. Halston’s seductive wrapped jersey halter dress is likewise body conscious. The back is once again a focal point, with long bodice panels that can be styled in a number of ways.

Farquharson & Wheelock
Evening dress
Gold lamé
1938, USA
The Museum at FIT, 82.151.113
Gift of Mrs. Jefferson Patterson

Halston
Halter dress
Copper silk jersey
1972-1973, USA
The Museum at FIT, 76.118.3
Gift of Lauren Bacall