Winter 1963

Woman's Evening Dress

Mildred Custin (1906-1997) was president and chairwoman of the twelve-store Bonwit Teller chain from 1965 to 1970, during which time she introduced designers such as Pierre Cardin, Emanuel Ungaro, and Calvin Klein to the American public. President of Bonwit Teller's three Philadelphia-area stores from 1958 to 1965, Custin chaired the Fashion Group's 1963 Crystal Ball held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. She wore this dress to the glittering event, which honored Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III of Monaco and featured fashions by Tassell and James Galanos.