Skirt Suit
ca. 1964 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This understated ensemble reveals the supreme talents of Cristóbal Balenciaga (1895-1972). The cut is impeccable, and is matched by the finishing. The refinement manifested in Balenciaga's clothes pervaded his entire establishment. In 1972 José Maria Arielza described it thus: 'this fashion house had a curious monastic seal, in which there was no room for loud and outspoken people, nor for laughter and disorder. Everthing was done in an atmosphere of silence and efficiency: fashion shows, work rehearsals. Even among his models there was a sign of restraint, no airs or graces. To see his show was to be present at a pure aesthetic spectacle, reverent and organised' (El Diario Vasco, August 1972).
This stylish outfit was worn by Mrs Opal Holt. Mrs Holt's extensive wardrobe of fashionable dress donated to the Museum ranges from the 1930s to the 1970s. The more than 100 objects - day and evening wear together with accessories - represent her acquired taste. Mrs Holt bought her clothes in London, Paris and New York, and the collection features works by many famous designers, including Dior and Givenchy.
This stylish outfit was worn by Mrs Opal Holt. Mrs Holt's extensive wardrobe of fashionable dress donated to the Museum ranges from the 1930s to the 1970s. The more than 100 objects - day and evening wear together with accessories - represent her acquired taste. Mrs Holt bought her clothes in London, Paris and New York, and the collection features works by many famous designers, including Dior and Givenchy.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
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| Materials and techniques | Woven wool and silk with edges bound in silk chiffon, lined with silk, hand-sewn with machine-stitched |
| Brief description | Jacket and skirt in woven wool and silk, lined with silk, given by Cristóbal Balenciaga, Paris, ca. 1964 |
| Physical description | Jacket and skirt in woven wool and silk, with raw edges bound in silk chiffon, lined with silk, fastened with a zip, and hand-sewn with machine-stitched seams. To avoid unsightly bulges, the hems are turned once, the raw edges are minutely bound with silk chiffon and then blind- stitched into place in the usual couture manner. Both garments are lined throughout in fine silk. |
| Gallery label |
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| Credit line | Given by Mrs D.M. Haynes and Mrs M. Clark |
| Object history | Opal Holt was born in Canada in 1887 but lived in the US until the end of the Second World War. She travelled extensively between the wars and was in the first plane to land in Bali. She married Herbert Holt, a Canadian who lived a large part of his life in England, as her third husband in 1946. They came to England and Europe every summer and Opal Holt began buying clothes in Paris for her life in England, and for the Bahamas in Winter, over a period of about thirty years. She died in 1980. Given by Mrs D.M Haynes and Mrs. Clark (nee Holt; Opal Holt's step-daughters). |
| Summary | This understated ensemble reveals the supreme talents of Cristóbal Balenciaga (1895-1972). The cut is impeccable, and is matched by the finishing. The refinement manifested in Balenciaga's clothes pervaded his entire establishment. In 1972 José Maria Arielza described it thus: 'this fashion house had a curious monastic seal, in which there was no room for loud and outspoken people, nor for laughter and disorder. Everthing was done in an atmosphere of silence and efficiency: fashion shows, work rehearsals. Even among his models there was a sign of restraint, no airs or graces. To see his show was to be present at a pure aesthetic spectacle, reverent and organised' (El Diario Vasco, August 1972). This stylish outfit was worn by Mrs Opal Holt. Mrs Holt's extensive wardrobe of fashionable dress donated to the Museum ranges from the 1930s to the 1970s. The more than 100 objects - day and evening wear together with accessories - represent her acquired taste. Mrs Holt bought her clothes in London, Paris and New York, and the collection features works by many famous designers, including Dior and Givenchy. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.127&A-1982 |
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| Record created | December 15, 1999 |
| Record URL |
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