KCIDigital Archives

The KCI Digital Archives on the KCI website presents image and text information for the objects in the collection, arranged in chronological order.

Evening Pajama

© The Kyoto Costume Institute, photo by Richard Haughton

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Evening Pajama

1930s

Designer
unknown
Brand
Saks Fifth Avenue
Label
SAKS - Fifth Avenue
Material
Set of jacket and jumpsuit; jacket of black silk "lamé" jacquard; red, white, and blue stencil print on woven floral motifs; jumpsuit of black silk satin and silk "lamé".
Inventory Number(s)
AC7600 92-23-8AB

This jacket features a gorgeous design of flowering plants created with both stencil print and a woven pattern in gold thread on the jacquard. The contrast of the subdued black silk background with this dazzling design on it creates an effect of elegance.
Pajamas that originated in India had permeated the West at the end of the 19th century as men's nightgowns. Once the 1920s began, summers at the seashore, afternoon relaxation, night parties, and various other scenes were popular times for even women to wear them. In the 30s, long dresses were revived, and even as the boyish element of the 20s retreated, pajamas were well-established as hostess dresses, resort wear, and indoor-use articles.

1930s