Dress c. 1936

Melita Hofmann created this watercolor rendering of a dress, but we don't know exactly when. This image offers us a glimpse into the world of fashion design, a field deeply intertwined with social and economic structures. Consider the labor involved in producing such a garment, from textile production to the skilled craftsmanship of dressmaking. The style of the dress, with its elaborate floral patterns and layered skirt, evokes the opulence associated with high society. Its design reflects the era's aesthetic preferences, conveying messages about status and taste. What's more, fashion design served as a key avenue of female employment at a time when women's professional opportunities were limited. By exploring sources, such as fashion magazines, textile sample books, and census records, we can gain insight into the cultural and institutional context surrounding Hofmann’s work, and further understand the intersection of art, gender, and commerce in the early to mid-20th century.