Not currently on display at the V&A

Evening Dress

1989 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This arresting evening dress in black and white silk was designed by Philippe Venet in 1989. An enormous, cape-like collar of stiffened white silk organza stands wide of the shoulders, falling mid-way to the waist. Dramatically, it is threaded at front and shoulders with a generous black satin sash which ties at the back in a huge butterfly bow. In addition, a profusion of small embroidered bow-shaped motifs are lightly appliquéd over the dress, their free-standing edges creating an animated, fluttering effect that contrasts with the static gravity of the single bow above.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Silk, organza and satin with embroidered appliqué detail
Brief description
Evening dress of silk, organza and satin, designed by Philippe Venet, France, 1989
Physical description
Evening dress of silk, organza and satin. With a large white cape-like collar threaded through with a black bow. Embroidered bow-shaped motifs are appliquéd over the dress.
Style
Marks and inscriptions
'Philippe Venet Paris' (Label)
Object history
Purchased. Registered File number 1990/314.
Subject depicted
Summary
This arresting evening dress in black and white silk was designed by Philippe Venet in 1989. An enormous, cape-like collar of stiffened white silk organza stands wide of the shoulders, falling mid-way to the waist. Dramatically, it is threaded at front and shoulders with a generous black satin sash which ties at the back in a huge butterfly bow. In addition, a profusion of small embroidered bow-shaped motifs are lightly appliquéd over the dress, their free-standing edges creating an animated, fluttering effect that contrasts with the static gravity of the single bow above.
Bibliographic reference
Wilcox, C. & Mendes, V. Modern Fashion in Detail. London: V&A Publications, 1991, p.94, ISBN 1 85177 032 1
Collection
Accession number
T.190-1990

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Record createdDecember 15, 1999
Record URL
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