Evening Outfit
Summer 1967 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This ensemble is a good example of the work of the Spanish couturier Balenciaga (active in Paris 1937-68) in the 1960s when he actively fostered his interest in innovative textiles, simplifying the cut and construction of his clothes to make the most of the textiles. From his early days in Paris, Balenciaga's fascination with surface texture and pattern led him to patronise the important Parisian embroidery firm of Lesage. He was amongst the first couturiers to showcase some of Lesage's plastic creations: in this case, the disks in graduated shades of pink are made of melanex and shimmer as the wearer moves. Pink was ever present in the designer's oeuvre, in many variations from 'baby' pink to 'shocking' pink, but not within the same garment. Although the Baroness Rothschild, one of the couturier's most faithful customers, chose trousers to go with the coat, the coat had been presented in Balenciaga's show worn with a skirt that skimmed the knee.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Parts | This object consists of 4 parts.
|
Materials and techniques | Applied sequins (cellulose acetate), mother-of-pearl beads and poult taffeta |
Brief description | ensemble, F, 1967, French; Balenciaga. Shaded pink sequins, satin belt, embroidery by Lesage. ensemble, F, 1967, French; Balenciaga. Pink poult taffeta, evening ensemble, F, 1967 , French; Vivier, Roger. Transparent plastic evening ensemble, F, 1967, French; Vivier, Roger. Transparent plastic |
Physical description | T.38-1974 - The coat is entirely covered with cellulose acetate sequin feather shapes in white and graduated shades of pink, on a ground of pear shaped sequins and mother-of-pearl beads. It is three-quarter length, straight cut with a hook fastening at the round neck. The sleeves are three-quarter length. T.38A-1974 - The trousers of pink poult taffeta are tapered wit a side zip fastening. T.38B-1974 - The shoes (Vivier) of transparent PVC trimmed with pink PVC and white leather; they have chisel toes and low heels. |
Dimensions |
|
Production type | Haute couture |
Marks and inscriptions |
|
Gallery label |
|
Credit line | Worn and given by Baroness Philippe de Rothschild |
Object history | Worn and given by Baroness Philippe de Rothschild. American fashion designer, writer and socialite, Pauline Fairfax Potter (1908-1976) married Baron Philippe de Rothschild in 1954. She was named on the International Best Dressed Hall of Fame in 1969. The National Portrait Gallery contains many photographs of Baroness de Rothschild taken by her friend, Cecil Beaton. |
Production | Atelier: Maria |
Association | |
Summary | This ensemble is a good example of the work of the Spanish couturier Balenciaga (active in Paris 1937-68) in the 1960s when he actively fostered his interest in innovative textiles, simplifying the cut and construction of his clothes to make the most of the textiles. From his early days in Paris, Balenciaga's fascination with surface texture and pattern led him to patronise the important Parisian embroidery firm of Lesage. He was amongst the first couturiers to showcase some of Lesage's plastic creations: in this case, the disks in graduated shades of pink are made of melanex and shimmer as the wearer moves. Pink was ever present in the designer's oeuvre, in many variations from 'baby' pink to 'shocking' pink, but not within the same garment. Although the Baroness Rothschild, one of the couturier's most faithful customers, chose trousers to go with the coat, the coat had been presented in Balenciaga's show worn with a skirt that skimmed the knee. |
Bibliographic reference | Fashion : An Anthology by Cecil Beaton. London : H.M.S.O., 1971 |
Other number | Number 81 - Model number |
Collection | |
Accession number | T.38 to C-1974 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
Record created | March 7, 2005 |
Record URL |
Download as: JSON