Evening Dress

In 1942, Richmond’s Thalhimers Department Store closed its exclusive French Room after the German occupation of France during World War II blocked American access to Paris couture. The Americana Shop, created in its stead, promoted American design as a patriotic option. The sequin half-moons embellishing this evening dress were an attribute of the Greek Artemis or Roman Diana, the powerful goddess of the hunt and an appropriate emblem, perhaps, for Richmond women holding up the home front while husbands were away at war