SUNDAY BEST

One need not be particularly religious to enjoy the beauty of dressing your very best on a Sunday and particularly on Easter Sunday. Between the egg tossing on the front lawn to the brunches on the beach, the Decades client always makes an effort to look appropriate and chic at any venue and Claire McCardell is thankfully there to make sure you look amazing on any and all occasions. This "American Look" ensemble is far cry from the Lacroix we posted earlier today and was the direct opposite of what McCardell's European contemporaries were doing at the same time (think Dior's New Look). Claire McCardell became one of the first American designers to have name recognition when the Claire McCardell Clothes by Townley label was instituted (McCardell designed for Townley in the 30s, until the brand shut town in 1939. It was revived quickly by Adolph Klein in 1940 with McCardell at the helm). McCardell prospered during WWII and accepted the challenges of fabric rationing and her American Look particularly prospered as Parisian fashion ceased production (and any global influence) during the War years. Now on to our Sunday Best look. This two piece McCardell features a sleeveless scoop neck A-line dress composed of a top of orange natural "burlap" twill with a mini geometric square print cotton full skirted maxi skirt with requisite pockets. The coordinating maxi coat of orange has spectacular gathered sleeves and a dramatic old-Hollywood gathered and pleated skirt to its coat. Add in the natural formed faux pearls and beautifully contrast stitched button holes and the democratization of McCardell is evident not only in her style for all but her also in her all time style!

Claire McCardell orange and cotton geometric maxi dress with coordinating coat, c. early 1950s. Modern 4 to 6

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