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Thumbnail-size images of copyrighted artworks are displayed under fair use, in accordance with guidelines recommended by the Code of Best Practices in Fair Use for the Visual Arts, published by the College Art Association in February 2015.
Woman's dress
Designed by: Laura Ashley (Laura Mountney) (Welsh, 1925–1985)
Designed for: Laura Ashley (Founded in 1968)
Designed for: Laura Ashley (Founded in 1968)
English
1970–75
Object Place: Wales (U.K.)
Medium/Technique
Cotton plain weave with machine-made cotton lace
Dimensions
Center back: 151.13 cm (59 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. William C. Van Siclen, Jr.
Accession Number2008.337
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope, Contemporary Art, Fashion and Textiles
ClassificationsCostumes
DescriptionWhite long cotton dress with ruffle along hem. Dress hits at natural waist, has a standing collar trimmed with cotton lace. Two narrow bands of lace are inserted down the front and outlining the yoke which extends around to the back of the dress. Two darts at the waist on both the front and back. Long full set in sleeves with a narrow band of lace running down the front and back and tight 6" cuffs with three plastic (faux mother of pearl) buttons. Very full skirt with five seams, gathered at the waist, with a 5 1/2" ruffle at the hem. The back of the dress has a 25" zipper down the center back. Label on inner left side of zipper reads "Laura Ashley/ Dyers and Printers/12 Made in Wales - UK 86 cm."
These inexpensive white cotton dresses were one of Laura Ashley's signature items. Inspired by Edwardian and Victorian fashions, they evoked country life, innocence, and wholesomeness.
These inexpensive white cotton dresses were one of Laura Ashley's signature items. Inspired by Edwardian and Victorian fashions, they evoked country life, innocence, and wholesomeness.
ProvenancePurchased from the dealer Lewis Lewis of Canton, North Carolina on April 30, 2008; gift from Pamela A. Parmal to the MFA, May 9, 2008.