Esther McDonald's Edwardian-era evening dress, Portland, ca. 1910

Contributed by Maine Historical Society

Esther McDonald's Edwardian-era evening dress, Portland, ca. 1910

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Description

Esther Johnston McDonald (1868-1941) wore this black evening or dinner dress. It is believed that Mrs. Justina W. Thomas made the dress, which features a long slim lace skirt, a standing collar and neckline framed by shoulder swags of heavily fringed satin. Thomas worked in the Munjoy Hill area.

The raised waist fashion signifies the combined influences of the dress reform movement, and French designer Paul Poirot. Poirot's name was likely familiar to style conscious Maine women who closely followed fashion. News of designers and the latest modes crossed the Atlantic rapidly to be quickly disseminated through local newspaper fashion features and fashion magazines.

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About This Item

  • Title: Esther McDonald's Edwardian-era evening dress, Portland, ca. 1910
  • Creator: Justina W. Thomas
  • Creation Date: circa 1910
  • Subject Date: circa 1910
  • Location: Portland , Cumberland County, ME
  • Media: Satin, lace
  • Local Code: 1994.114.12
  • Collection: Costume collection
  • Object Type: Physical Object

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For more information about this item, contact:

Maine Historical Society
485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website

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