Not currently on display at the V&A

Evening Dress

1986 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This bold evening dress by Murray Arbeid uses contrast to great effect. The strapless, fitted velvet bodice and full, rustling taffeta skirt are in dramatic black and red, a classic colour scheme. An identical dress to this was worn by Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1986 to a film première. The Princess was a stylish public figure whose clothes made headlines and launched copycat styles. She famously accessorised her Arbeid dress with one red and one black satin glove.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Silk velvet and taffeta
Brief description
Silk velvet strapless evening dress with a drop-waisted full skirt in taffeta, designed by Murray Arbeid, Great Britain, 1986
Physical description
Black silk velvet strapless evening dress with a fitted sheath bodice and drop-waisted full skirt in red taffeta, with the hemline higher in front than behind.
Dimensions
  • Centre back length: 144.5cm
  • Centre front length: 101cm
  • Bust circumference: 85.5cm
  • Waist circumference: 65cm
Gallery label
The Princess of Wales wore an identical drop-waisted dress to the première of the film 'The Mission'. She accessorised it with one red and one black satin glove. With its strapless bodice and flounced skirt raised at the front, Murray Arbeid's design perfectly captured the 1980s mood for glamour and romance.(1997)
Credit line
Given by the designer
Object history
As worn by Diana, Princess of Wales.
Summary
This bold evening dress by Murray Arbeid uses contrast to great effect. The strapless, fitted velvet bodice and full, rustling taffeta skirt are in dramatic black and red, a classic colour scheme. An identical dress to this was worn by Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1986 to a film première. The Princess was a stylish public figure whose clothes made headlines and launched copycat styles. She famously accessorised her Arbeid dress with one red and one black satin glove.
Bibliographic reference
De La Haye, Amy, ed. The Cutting Edge: 50 Years of British Fashion 1947-1997. London: V&A Publications, 1997.
Collection
Accession number
T.672-1996

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Record createdAugust 20, 2003
Record URL
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