Made from textured viscose rayon crepe, this mustard-color evening gown features a deep inset beaded belt motif.

The emphasis on elongation is indicative of mid-1930s evening wear. The boxy, padded shoulders, newly fashionable at this time, carried through into the 1940s. Clever design elements create interest on an otherwise subdued silhouette, which is structured, yet feminine. The beaded detail encircling the waist features an amoeba-like paisley motif. A draped fabric feature is pulled through the belt at back, cascading to the floor, creating a short train.

Viscose, a particular type of rayon, first appeared around 1910. Made in a wide range of fabrics, textured rayon crepe was the breakthrough fabric which first made rayon a fashion fabric in the late 1920s. Rayon is referred to as a semi-synthetic because it is made from natural cellulosic plant material and chemicals. Totally synthetic textiles are entirely made from chemical products.