Silk crepe gown by Jessie Franklin Turner, Portland, ca. 1938

Contributed by Maine Historical Society

Silk crepe gown by Jessie Franklin Turner, Portland, ca. 1938

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Description

Understatedly elegant and subtle in cut and styling, this moss green dress was probably custom made by couturier Jessie Franklin Turner, for its wearer Margaret Payson. The padded shoulder silhouette calls to mind fashions worn by Hollywood film stars like Katharine Hepburn and Joan Crawford.

Renowned for her sophisticated designs, one newspaper remarked Jessie Franklin Turner designed for “the drawing room, the terrace, and the roof garden; and every season to her is an era of elegance.” Turner’s clientele included wealthy members of society at a time when luxurious lifestyles stood in sharp contrast to Americans significantly impacted by the Great Depression. A maker’s label address dates this garment between 1936 and 1942. Margaret Payson (1888-1985), known to her friends as "Miss Margaret" was a well-dressed member of Portland and Falmouth society.

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About This Item

  • Title: Silk crepe gown by Jessie Franklin Turner, Portland, ca. 1938
  • Creator: Jessie Franklin Turner
  • Creation Date: circa 1935
  • Subject Date: circa 1935
  • Locations:
    • Portland, Cumberland County, ME
    • New York, NY
  • Media: silk
  • Local Code: 1993.300.1183
  • Collection: Costume collection
  • Object Type: Physical Object

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For more information about this item, contact:

Maine Historical Society
485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted More Info

This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. No Permission is required to use the low-resolution watermarked image for educational use, or as allowed by the applicable copyright. For all other uses, permission is required.

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Exhibit

The Maine Historical Society Historic Dress Collection

The Maine Historical Society Historic Dress Collection

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