Irene, American, 1907-1962

Evening Dress, 1958

Purchased at Goldwater’s, Phoenix

Metallic and silk brocade, silk chiffon

Gift of Mrs. Barney Leonard  1968.c.751

Irene (born Irene Lentz) took Gilbert Adrian’s place after he resigned as Executive Designer for MGM Studios in 1942. Although she continued there until 1949, she also opened her own wholesale fashion design company in 1947, called Irene, Inc. Twenty-five stores across the country including Goldwater’s of Phoenix, Arizona had the exclusive rights to Irene’s styles. Goldwater’s slogan, “The Best Always,” originated by Senator Barry Goldwater’s father in the early twentieth century, is well exemplified by this dress, with its high quality fabrics and construction. In addition, the fact that this dress was designed by Irene and was sold at the most exclusive store in Phoenix allowed the wearer to fantasize that she was a glamorous Hollywood movie star, even if only for one night. The chiffon drapery of this dress aligns its wearer with the ideals of classical beauty and taste.

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