Woman's "Mermaid" Evening Dress
Designed by Norman Norell, American, 1900 - 1972. Sold by Nan Duskin, Philadelphia, 1926 - 1994.
Geography:
Made in New York, United States, North and Central America
Date:
c. 1960Medium:
Metallicized plastic sequins on silk knitDimensions:
Center Back Length: 60 inches (152.4 cm) Circumference (Bust): 32 inches (81.3 cm) Waist: 28 inches (71.1 cm)Curatorial Department:
Costume and TextilesObject Location:
1975-102-17Credit Line:
Bequest of Ellen Biedlingmaier, 1975
Made in New York, United States, North and Central America
Date:
c. 1960Medium:
Metallicized plastic sequins on silk knitDimensions:
Center Back Length: 60 inches (152.4 cm) Circumference (Bust): 32 inches (81.3 cm) Waist: 28 inches (71.1 cm)Curatorial Department:
Costume and TextilesObject Location:
Currently not on view
Accession Number:1975-102-17Credit Line:
Bequest of Ellen Biedlingmaier, 1975
Explore the Collections
“In the evening you have to knock ’em dead with glitter,” proclaimed Norman Norell. His philosophy is evident in his most famous creations, all-over sequined dresses. Throughout his career, Norell made versions of these form-fitting gowns—which by 1952 came to be known as “mermaid dresses.” These expensive and eye-catching dresses are marvels of workmanship; each sequin was sewn to the silk by hand, taking up to 250 hours per dress.
