c. 1926

Woman's Afternoon Dress: Dress and Slip

Lucien Lelong opened his couture house about 1919 and, with a strong aesthetic sensibility and business acumen, led what became one of the most successful Paris fashion houses of his time. Believing that fashion was out of step with contemporary life, Lelong introduced in 1925 the concept of "kinetic design"-practical clothing for the modern woman that stressed freedom of movement. The principle is embodied in this afternoon dress with its full paneled skirt, lowered waistline, and decorative fringe, which swings as the wearer moves. Lelong was very popular with American women, and his designs were sold as originals and copies in leading American department stores and smart dress shops.