Jessie Franklin Turner | Tea Gown | c. 1940

Teagowns or “negligees” as the style was sometimes called at the time, were adapted from strictly at home wear to dinner and evening dress in the 1930s. This particular teagown, one of her most well-known design types, exemplifies this alternative form of formal dress and Turner’s luxurious and unconventional design aesthetic. The use of sumptuous materials and textures, combined in pleasing ways, was a signature element of her designs, seen here in the expert juxtaposition of taffeta, lace, chiffon and satin. Turner was also known for her interesting, often unexpected, color combinations, shown in this teagown in the use of calming celadon satin, chiffon and lace contrasted with the softest of pink and vibrant magenta details.