- Accepts Etsy gift cards
Rarely do we ever go into the background and history of a garment. Most of the time, it feels unoriginal and contrived, to be quite honest, but for this particular Disco Goddess of a gown, we're willing to throw caution to the wind for a tale of determination, as well as a scope of how far, yet how little, we've come as people. Many funky moons ago, a young man by the name of James Daugherty found himself looking for work post-graduation from art school (Relatable. Been there, done that). Somehow, James managed to score employment at Warner Bros. Studios as a janitor for the writer's building. With full access to each office, Daugherty sprinkled his sketches that he envisioned for the actresses to wear on each executives desk, but only after leaving the room spotless and sparkling. Quite a bold move, but can't say we wouldn't try it, either. While the aspiring designer's play didn't exactly play out how he intended, James was eventually taken on as a sketch artist for world renowned costume designer, Edith Head. Now, if we told you how much we ADORE Edith, it wouldn't be enough. She was a creative genius that reshaped costuming, becoming the first woman to lead a design department at a major movie studio, paving the way for others to follow. Sorry for fangirling, Edith Head is just....the coolest. Anyway, as his experience with the costumer expanded, James launched his self-titled line in 1974, becoming an instant success. Named Designer of the Year by the Fashion Sales Guild in November 1976, the designer was featured in various publications including Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Ebony magazine, becoming one of the first Black designers to showcase their collection on Seventh Avenue. Long pause and reread. 1976 wasn't really that long ago, folks, yet, he was one of the first? Daugherty later spoke that, early on, "When prospective employer's saw me, their faces would drop and they'd utter some silly excuse why I wasn't qualified". Determined not to let color be the only thing holding him back from success, James learned to arrange job interviews by phone.
In today's world and given current events, we find ourselves asking the question, "Have we really come that far"? The answer remains unclear. Especially, now. If anything, it feels as though, the world is regressing. It's baffling to imagine a person, today, yesterday, or in the '70s, walking into a scenario and being rejected solely based on one's melanin levels of their skin. To be frank, it's a whole lotta BS and it's something that NO ONE should ever be put through, in any circumstance, yet here we are, in the year 2020, actin' 50 years out of date. James Daugherty paved the way for future generations, emphasizing why Black Dreams Matter.
Over here at SW, we are especially honored to offer this remarkable gown that is such a monumental piece of history from a label that Edith Head, herself, ordered exclusively. The fire engine red gown features:
✶A sweeping, floor length sleeveless silhouette with a romantic lowcut neckline, hanging slightly off the shoulder
✶Dramatic pleating cascading from shoulder to front upper bust and back shoulder blade
✶Breathtaking full, gathered skirt with belt loops at waistline AND POCKETS!
✶100% Poly Crepe. Unlined with centerback zipper and hook & eye closure
✩MEASUREMENTS
Size: 10 (Would fit best on a Small or Medium)
Bust: 32"
Waist: 25"
Hip: Free"
Shoulder-Shoulder: 16"
Total Length: 57 1/2"
✶CONDITION: Very Good: used, with very minor flaws, no repairs are necessary.
Well taken care of. Notch at wearer L hem, but not noticeable.
(She's clean and ready to karaoke to Don't Speak by No Doubt).
✩CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Dry Clean Only.
✶FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING
Only applicable to the US.
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