Claire McCardell designed her Monastic dress in 1938. Originally called the Nada Frock, it was cut on the bias and flowed from the shoulders without waist definition. The wearer could belt it Rare 1950's Claire McCardell Black Silk Pop Over Dress With Rivets S Xtabay Vintage Biography highlights American fashion pioneer The Most Important Lessons I Learned From Claire McCardell's Newly Reissued 1956 Book, 'What Shall I Wear?' Vogue