Not currently on display at the V&A

Theatre Costume

1966
Artist/Maker

Costume for a guest worn by Renee Valent. One shouldered strapless dress of raw silk, with waist seam and pannelled bodice and skirt; the skirt is wrapped over from left to right and is cut away on a curve at the front, reaching to below the knee at the back. the low-cut bodice is shaped over the bust and cut on a low curve to the back. The raw silk is blotch dyed in shades of dark and light greens and blue greens, mauve and pink. From the back of the left shoulder, across the bust to over the waist and following the curve of the outer skirt front, terminating at the hem on the left on the same line as it began at the shoulder, is a linked line of variously sized stylized 'leaf' motifs in felt, roughly painted silver with touches of purple and iridescent green studs; each leaf is outlined in narrow tubular crin, the inner edge of which is outlined in black; inserted into some of the 'fronds' are lines of graduated oval shiny red plastic bosses. The bodice is lined with white cotton and has bust forms, the skirt with white raw silk; at the hips is a short tulle underskirt. The dress fastens down the back with hooks and eyes.


Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Brief description
Costume for a Guest worn by Renee Valent in 'Laiderette', Ballet Rambert, Jeanetta Cochrane Theatre, London, 1966
Physical description
Costume for a guest worn by Renee Valent. One shouldered strapless dress of raw silk, with waist seam and pannelled bodice and skirt; the skirt is wrapped over from left to right and is cut away on a curve at the front, reaching to below the knee at the back. the low-cut bodice is shaped over the bust and cut on a low curve to the back. The raw silk is blotch dyed in shades of dark and light greens and blue greens, mauve and pink. From the back of the left shoulder, across the bust to over the waist and following the curve of the outer skirt front, terminating at the hem on the left on the same line as it began at the shoulder, is a linked line of variously sized stylized 'leaf' motifs in felt, roughly painted silver with touches of purple and iridescent green studs; each leaf is outlined in narrow tubular crin, the inner edge of which is outlined in black; inserted into some of the 'fronds' are lines of graduated oval shiny red plastic bosses. The bodice is lined with white cotton and has bust forms, the skirt with white raw silk; at the hips is a short tulle underskirt. The dress fastens down the back with hooks and eyes.
Production typeUnique
Marks and inscriptions
' Laiderette. / Valent ' (Label)
Object history
Costume for a Guest worn by Renee Valent in Kenneth MacMillan's ballet 'Laiderette', Ballet Rambert, Jeanetta Cochrane Theatre, London, 28th November 1966. The music for the ballet was composed by Frank Martin, and the scenery and costumes were designed by Kenneth Rowell. The ballet had originally been produced by Ballet Rambert in 1955 with different sets and costumes.
Production
Reason For Production: Commission
Association
Literary referenceLaiderette
Collection
Accession number
S.1113-1986

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Record createdNovember 11, 2004
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