Ensemble
early 1969 (designed and made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Woman's ensemble, comprising a square top and voluminous purple jersey trousers designed to be tied in at whim with matching sashes.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 6 parts.
|
| Materials and techniques | Cotton, synthetic jersey, glass beads, paillettes, silk cord |
| Brief description | Trouser ensemble, woman's, purple jersey trousers with fringed belt and three sashes, beaded top, Giorgio di Sant'Angelo, USA, 1969. |
| Physical description | Woman's ensemble, comprising a square top and voluminous purple jersey trousers designed to be tied in at whim with matching sashes. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Production type | Unique |
| Marks and inscriptions | 'SANT'ANGELO' (Label in trousers and top) |
| Gallery label | Adorning the body
This wearable brass 'bra' is an early example of large-scale, fitted, three-dimensional jewellery. Its maker, Helen Newman, was inspired by Paco Rabanne's experimental fashions made from linked metal plates. These were unaffordable for her, at the time.
Newman commented in 1970, 'For too long jewellery has played second fiddle to clothes. Why shouldn't clothes be worn to set off jewellery?'.
Bra
Helen Newman (b.1942)
Britain, 1970
Beaten brass lined with suede
VYA: M.8:1&2-2006
Given by Helen Newman
Harem pants
Giorgio di Sant'Angelo (1933-1989)
USA, 1969
Synthetic jersey and cord
V&A: T.12:1 to 6-2010
Given by the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Costume Institute), on behalf of Martin F. Price |
| Credit line | Given by the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Costume Institute), on behalf of Martin F. Price |
| Object history | The trousers were published in American Vogue, March 15 1969, with a different belt and top. From the Acquisition Justification - Giorgio di Sant'Angelo (b.1933) was one of the most influential and original of American designers from 1969 to his premature death in 1989. In contrast to the restraint of many of his contemporaries in late 1960s American fashion, his clothes were extravagantly theatrical and dramatic, celebrating a wide range of ethnic influences, textures, and vibrant colours and patterns. As a dancer, Sant'Angelo designed clothes with movement in mind. His clothes utilised floating layers of chiffon and georgette which were worn over form-fitting leotards and jumpsuits in spandex and Lycra. Many of his designs were intended to be customised, with wearers able to decide how they wore the garments. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.12:1 to 6-2010 |
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| Record created | February 19, 2010 |
| Record URL |
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