of ivory silk satin, cap sleeves, high neck, full gathered skirt, matching belt with bow to rear, bust approx 92cm, 36in
Although Peggy knew Rudi Gernreich, it was not until 1962 that she actually modelled for him. During the 1950s she worked occasionally for American designer Gustave Tassell and acquired several cocktail pieces by him and chose him to make her chic satin bridal gown, June 1959 when she married photographer William (Bill) Claxton. The wedding portrait was taken by renowned photographer Lee Frielander, Claxton's best man and his then-assistant.
Gus Tassell began working with a small couture house in Philadelphia, before launching his own label in California in 1959. He was given the Coty Award in 1962 and latterly was hired by the house of Norell to take over when Norman Norell died in 1972. He continued there until the house closed in 1976. This wedding dress was an early creation for his own label therefore.
1950s