1975 Dress

Date: ca. 1975 - Material: Rayon with lamé weave - Accession: 2001.191.0001.0558

Positioned between the counter culture upheaval in fashion of the late 1960s and the 1980s era of conspicuous consumption, fashion of the 1970s entered a transitional period. Hemlines ranged from mini to midi to maxi, as seen in this floor-length lamé dress by Oscar de la Renta. Lamé, with its metallic threads, was not a practical fabric, so was often used in evening wear. This dress was purchased at Kane’s dress shop in Chicago.

Donated to the University of Illinois Bevier Historic Costume Collection by Mrs. Geraldine Gidwitz. Property transfer to the Illinois State Museum, 2001.