The Pirelli Calendar 1985 thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

The Pirelli Calendar 1985

Evening Dress
1984 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Black silk chiffon dress, one-shouldered. White-printed black chiffon cape flowing from the tyre-track printed satin asymmetrical neckline that swoops beneath the wearer's left hand breast. A 'pastie' covers the left nipple which is attached by strips of black and white diamantes and sequins.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleThe Pirelli Calendar 1985 (series title)
Materials and techniques
Silk chiffon and printed satin, with diamantes and sequins
Brief description
Black silk chiffon evening dress 'Pirelli Calendar 1985', designed by Zandra Rhodes, England, 1984.
Physical description
Black silk chiffon dress, one-shouldered. White-printed black chiffon cape flowing from the tyre-track printed satin asymmetrical neckline that swoops beneath the wearer's left hand breast. A 'pastie' covers the left nipple which is attached by strips of black and white diamantes and sequins.
Credit line
Given by Mr W.F. Stirling
Object history
Registered File number 1985/1213.

Featured on the Pirelli Calendar, 1985, for September. Modelled by Lena, photographed by Norman Parkinson. Art direction by Martyn Walsh.
.
Gallery label text for Fashion Tracks exhibition:

FASHION TRACKS

Designer Clothes for the 1985 Pirelli Calendar
In 1983 Martyn Walsh the Art Director and Designer of the Pirelli Calendar suggested to Pirelli UK Ltd that they revive the famous Pirelli Calendar and as an innovation incorporate a fashion show using the P6 tyre tread as the decorative theme. Fourteen leading British Designers were invited to make clothes and accessories using the tyre tread design. These commissions represented a significant break-away from the traditional Pirelli Calendars and resulted in an unusual and stylistically powerful collection. The dramatic photographs were taken by Norman Parkinson. At the Calendar launch the collection was auctioned for charity and later the owners generously gave these unique works to the V&A.
The Mannequins and display are by the Creative Team of Adel Rootstein Hopkins Ltd.
The display will be in the Dress Collection from 5th November 1986 to Autumn 1987. It is divided into two parts, one on either side of the Dress Collection at the entrances from Rooms 21 and 47 respectively.
Subjects depicted
Association
Other number
September (Fashion Tracks: Designer Clothes for the 1985 Pirelli Calendar reference) - Exhibition number
Collection
Accession number
T.485-1985

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Record createdDecember 17, 2007
Record URL
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