#ThrowbackFashion Evening dress 1934 by Travis Banton (American, 1894–1958)

Here are some creative projects that inspire me in The Metropolitan Museum of Art – The Costume Institute’s Collection. You can see other projects on my Pinterest or on my #ThrowbackFashion.

ThrowbackFashion-Evening dress 1934 by Travis Banton (American 1894–1958)

Evening dress
Travis Banton (American, 1894–1958)
Date: 1934
Culture: American
Medium: silk
Dimensions: Length at CB: 88 in. (223.5 cm)

Evening dress 1934 by Travis Banton (American, 1894–1958)-56.170.5_front_CP4

Evening dress 1934 by Travis Banton (American, 1894–1958)-56.170.5_back_CP4

An evocative and glamorous example of the work of Paramount Studios costume designer Travis Banton, who, during the 1930s, also dressed Marlene Dietrich, Carole Lombard, and Mae West, this dress was worn by Chinese-American actress Anna May Wong.

Evening dress 1934 by Travis Banton (American, 1894–1958)-56.170.5_print_recto_CP_scan

While the dress may evoke the “cheongsam“, a from-fitting traditional Chinese dress style, its construction is along the lines of high-necked form-fitting Western gowns from the Belle-Epoque period, but the dragon motif adds a distinct Asian influence, dazzling in its execution in gold and silver sequins on luxurious satin. It was designed by Banton for Wong’s role of Tu Tuan in the 1934 film “Limehouse Blues.”

Evening dress 1934 by Travis Banton (American, 1894–1958)-56.170.5_print_verso_CP_scan