C. 1919 Evening gown with mystery snaps and asymmetrical hemline

The dress dates back to c. 1919 and was donated by the Finch family. Edward Cornell Kip Finch (1911-1988) married Ruth Earle Woodward (1916–2004) in 1951, after which the two lived in New Canaan on Ponus Ridge. The dress belonged to one of their mothers, Persis Davis Woodward (1888-1961) or Lolita Mollman Finch (1878-1964).

The gown offers interesting insight into the transition of fashion between the long, top-heavy looks of the previous decade and the short, boxy dresses of the 1920s. This dress features a soft, draping bodice and defined waist. However the hemline is noticeably off the ground, and draped in an artful, uneven way. The dress is also made of silk and lacks sleeves, which are more indicators that this was an evening gown rather than a day or afternoon dress.

The original video was created May 13, 2023.

[QueenCityHistory]

1910s were my favorite decade. It was that fantastic transition period.

[S.Waters.]

What a lovely dress, I love the asymmetric hemline and flower details!