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Rice Bowl Dress | Carolyn Schnurer | c. 1952 

For her “Flight to Japan” collection, Schnurer adapted elements of Japanese costumes and textiles, as well as architecture and decorative arts. In this example, the neckline, inspired by a reversed kimono, emphasizes the wearer’s collar bones and delicately frames the face. The geometric textile pattern is inspired by sekkazome paper (meaning snow flower or snowflake dyeing), a technique in which mulberry paper is accordion pleated, folded into various patterns and dip dyed. The skirt, which is vertically boned, was inspired by Japanese oilcloth parasols. This effect creates a graceful A-line silhouette and was a practical alternative to the cumbersome crinoline petticoats prevalent in the early 1950s.