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2018.40.4
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Floral taffeta dress, "Monet," ca. 1964

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This gown was created by Seattle designer Howard Blair and referred to as the “Monet Dress.” The main textile is a fabric known as chiné, where the vertical (warp) threads of the fabric are printed before weaving. In the weaving process the print is stretched to create a watercolor-like effect. Blair worked out of his family home and was a sought-after designer for wedding gowns, evening attire, and local and national pageant dresses. In 1958, just eight years into his career, he was reported to already have made 600 dresses for Seattle clients. This dress was made for his mother June Smith.
ID Number: 2018.40.4
Date: Circa 1964
Creator(s): Blair, Howard, Designer
Physical Description: 1 Dress; silk; 56 in.H x 18 in.W
Place Made: United States of America, WASHINGTON, Seattle
Credit: MOHAI, 2018.40.4
Subjects: Clothing and Dress, Retail and Department Stores, Manufacturing

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