Denishawn Chitons (set of five)
Costume
Identifier
C-207_1-5Date:
1920s
Description:
Five fine white cotton chitons. Worn by female members of the Denishawn Company in class, rehearsals and in some performances.
Item Details:
Each cotton v-neck dress is caught around the waist with three bands of elastic. The shoulders are tied together. The dress fastens with hooks and bars on one side.
C-207_1 Inscribed with Rebecca.
C-207_2 Inscribed with Hill...?
C-207_3 Inscribed with Boots.
C-207_4 Inscribed with Bat...?
C-207_5 No name.
Jane Sherman describes the Denishawn Chiton at follows (The Drama of Denishawn Dance p.38): "Off-white silk chiffon was slit a short distance at one corner of each of two squares of material. This created a bias cut which made a circular skirt when the four ends of the opposite corners were sewn together into shoulder straps to form a V neck. Space was left for armholes, then the opposing seams were sewn together. In order to give the resulting loose shift some shape and a definite bosom, three bands of narrow elastic were tacked two inches apart to the chiffon right under the breast. These bands were hooked at one side to allow the costume to be put on or off over the head. The skirt was cut evenly at mid-thigh and left unhemmed."
Extent:
5
Medium:
Cotton, Metal, Silk