Arnold Scaasi 1950s Off-Shoulder Silk Floral Dress – Brooklyn Museum Provenance

An extraordinary archival piece from American designer Arnold Scaasi, this 1950s floral silk cocktail dress exemplifies the glamour and sculptural elegance that defined midcentury couture. Featuring a dramatic off-the-shoulder neckline, structured bodice, and flared skirt, the silhouette is unmistakably Scaasi—both timeless and theatrical.

Features
• Original 1950s Arnold Scaasi design
• Acquired from a Brooklyn Museum deaccession auction
• Crafted in crisp silk with an exuberant multicolor floral print
• Off-the-shoulder neckline with shoulder straps and ruffled sleeves
• Sculpted bodice with defined waist and full A-line skirt
• Fully lined with center-back zipper closure
• Estimated modern size: US 6–8

Condition
Excellent vintage condition. Silk remains vivid and crisp. No visible stains, discoloration, or tears. Gently preserved with minimal signs of age.

Provenance & Style Notes
This dress was purchased directly from a Brooklyn Museum auction, marking it as a curated archival piece. Scaasi’s work is held in numerous museum collections including The Met and the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, often praised for its bold femininity and impeccable tailoring. This dress—closely aligned with a documented silhouette in the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection—is ideal for collectors or formalwear enthusiasts seeking museum-level heritage fashion.