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  • Shoes, 1955-1965

    Shoes, 1955-1965

    Mrs. Firestone likely had these custom made to match a specific outfit, now gone. This was a style she favored in the late 1950s and 1960s. The color indicates summer wear.Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1897 Elizabeth Parke married Harvey S. Firestone Jr., son of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founder Harvey S. Firestone, in 1921.Once described by a friend as, "the most luxurious woman in the history of luxury," Elizabeth Parke Firestone's clothing collection illustrates her impeccable taste in…

  • White Satin Ball Gown with Heavily Beaded Bodice, 1955

    White Satin Ball Gown with Heavily Beaded Bodice, 1955

    Powdery-blue or blue-grey satin evening gown. Floral embroidery of silver, pink and blue-grey colored metallic threads (some appear to be tarnished silver, others may be synthetic) decorated with iridescent rhinestones and tiny sequins. Embroidery diminishes towards bottom of dress; no embroidery at hemline. Skirt smooth and curved in front, gathered in back. At center-back waistline is a large asymmetrical vertical bow with attached sash. Corselet inside of bodice. Bodice stiffened with white c…

  • Ebroidered Organza and Satin Dress with Shawl, about 1957

    Ebroidered Organza and Satin Dress with Shawl, about 1957

    Short evening dress with shawl. Cream organza over satin. Stylized pink thistles with greens stems embroidered down front in silk floss, gold sequins and gold metal. Fitted strapless bodice with two vertical bows on either side of center front waistline. Half-belt in back at the waistline. Corselet in bodice. Stiff nylon underskirt with two layers of nylon tulle. Double organza rectangular shawl with stylized carnation embroidered on center back. This garment was owned by Mrs. Harvey Firestone o…

  • Embroidered Cotton Organdy Dress with Stole, 1955

    Embroidered Cotton Organdy Dress with Stole, 1955

    White cotton organdy gown with floral pattern embroidery. Embroidery includes white raffia, silver threads, silver beads, white horsehair, pearl-like sequins, silk(?) flower petals. Embroidery on bodice and wide band at the hem of the skirt. Underneath top layer is one layer of organdy, one layer of nylon stiffened with horsehair, two layers of white nylon net, and white silk slip. Matching wrap is large and oblong with same embroidery and triple scalloped end. Clothing label: PRINTEMPS-ETE 1955…