Beatrice Rubel Woman's suit

Description:

This two-piece suit was entirely hand sewn. It is made of gray wool that can be reversible to show black wool.

The suit top is straight on the bottom, which is the longest side. The top then curves upwards until it comes to a point in the center. Small buttons are attached to the shorter sides of the top with thread button loops fifteen centimeters from the corners. It is hand-stitched with black thread.

The skirt has a similar cut to the top, but the sides are perpendicular to the bottom. The top of the skirt is perpendicular to the sides, but curves in to point to the center. There are no fastenings on the skirt, as it was intended to be closed with safety pins.

The designer of this suit intended the pieces to be worn upside down or reversed, changing the function of the pieces.

Date Made: 1953-1957

Location: Currently not on view

See more items in: Home and Community Life: Costume, Clothing & Accessories, American Enterprise

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Gift of Beatrice Rubel

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: CS.308292.002Catalog Number: 308292.002Accession Number: 308292

Object Name: suit, 2 pieceOther Terms: suit, 2 piece; Entire Body; Main Dress; Female

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a1-7b26-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_365400

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.