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Cosmos

Ensemble
1967 (designed)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Cardin's bold futuristic clothes were largely designed for active young women. In 1966 The Observer newspaper said of Cardin's designs: 'His contribution to modern living may be practical but it's rather a shock.' From the mid 1960s until about 1971 Cardin favoured heavyweight woollen jerseys for his avant-garde designs. This fabric allowed free movement, but at the same time was sufficiently rigid to maintain the clear-cut shapes.

This 'space suit' forms part of the Cecil Beaton Collection. With great energy and determination Sir Cecil Beaton (1904-1980) contacted designers and the well-dressed elite of Europe and America to create this lasting monument to the art of dress. The collection was exhibited in 1971, accompanied by a catalogue that detailed its enormous range.

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Discover more about this object
read An introduction to 1960s fashion Marked by sweeping social change, the 1960s is a decade that still holds a special significance, seeing traditional hierarchies begin to dissolve and make way for the birth of the modern age.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 7 parts.

  • Tabard
  • Sweater
  • Tights
  • Cap (Headgear)
  • Sun Visor
  • Boot
  • Boot
TitleCosmos (assigned by artist)
Brief description
Day ensemble of red wool jersey tabard, black roll neck sweater, brown tinted plastic visor, black vinyl boots, black wool cap, black wool tights; French, 1967.
Physical description
Day ensemble of red wool jersey tabard, black roll neck sweater, brown tinted plastic visor, black vinyl boots, black wool cap, black wool tights; French, 1967.
Dimensions
  • Height: 12cm (Note: Hat)
Production typeHaute couture
Marks and inscriptions
  • Transliteration
Credit line
Given by the designer
Object history
This 'space suit' forms part of the Cecil Beaton Collection.With great energy and determination the late Sir Cecil Beaton contacted designers and the well-dressed elite of Europe and America to bring this lasting monument to the art of dress. The collection was exhibited in 1971, accompanied by a catalogue which detailed its enormous range (catalogue number 41, page 20)
Summary
Cardin's bold futuristic clothes were largely designed for active young women. In 1966 The Observer newspaper said of Cardin's designs: 'His contribution to modern living may be practical but it's rather a shock.' From the mid 1960s until about 1971 Cardin favoured heavyweight woollen jerseys for his avant-garde designs. This fabric allowed free movement, but at the same time was sufficiently rigid to maintain the clear-cut shapes.

This 'space suit' forms part of the Cecil Beaton Collection. With great energy and determination Sir Cecil Beaton (1904-1980) contacted designers and the well-dressed elite of Europe and America to create this lasting monument to the art of dress. The collection was exhibited in 1971, accompanied by a catalogue that detailed its enormous range.
Associated object
Bibliographic reference
Fashion : An Anthology by Cecil Beaton. London : H.M.S.O., 1971 41
Collection
Accession number
T.75 to F-1974

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Record createdFebruary 26, 2003
Record URL
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