History & Notes: This stunning gown belonged to Lula Brown McDonald who was born about 1896 in Chattanooga, Tennessee to a prominent southern family. Lula was a very independent woman and moved to Washington D.C. during the first World War with her young daughter Jane. Here she procured a government job and met James McDonald II of Hailey, Idaho. James was the son of the Standard Oil Company's European representative, James McDonald Sr. After marrying James Jr. in 1927, Lula and Jane moved to Idaho where the family split their time between Hailey and Boise, often making the newspapers for their soirees and development ventures. Lula was an active member of the Hailey and Boise social circles and contributed to artistic and charitable ventures throughout the state. Never one to settle down for too long, Lula traveled extensively throughout her life and amassed an impressive collection of clothing and curios from designers and craftspeople the world over. After Lula's death in 1973, her daughter Jane Gorrissen donated this gown and many other pieces to the Idaho State Historical Society.
Description: Cream silk chiffon over gold lame cocktail length gown with heavy beading and rhinestones throughout dress. Neckline features a beaded cutout detailing in geometric shapes. Dropped waist features a sash of gold lame. Uneven draped hemline on sides of skirt. Inner slip is silk chiffon at bodice and gold lame at skirt.
Object Number: 1973.224.0066
Object: gown, evening
Category: Women's Garments
Circa: 1920
Materials: chiffon, gold lame, glass