Chorister thumbnail 1
Chorister thumbnail 2
+1
images
Not currently on display at the V&A

Chorister

Dress
1971 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

In the later 1960s and early 1970s high waistlines were popular. This outfit was part of a collection of winter wear that ranged, in bold looks, from the puritan to the choirboy. This particular ensemble was called "Chorister". One dress in particular was an instant success. Within a week of its appearance, cheap copies (with slight adaptations) were available in certain chain stores.

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


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 5 parts.

  • Maxi-Dress
  • Blouse
  • Skull Cap
  • Boot
  • Boot
TitleChorister (assigned by artist)
Brief description
'Chorister', John Bates for Jean Varon, 1971. Grey wool dress with blouse, skullcap and knee boots
Physical description
The turned down circular collar and cuffs of the blouse are stiffened to hold their shape. The dress fastens with a zip at the centre back and was originally worn with knee-length, square-toed, zip fastening black suede boots.
Marks and inscriptions
Credit line
Given by Mr John Bates
Object history
A photocopy of the original design sketch for this dress exists in a box of Cecil Beaton material relating to Fashion: An Anthology in NCS archives. This indicates that the ensemble was called "Chorister"
Production
Autumn/Winter 1971
Summary
In the later 1960s and early 1970s high waistlines were popular. This outfit was part of a collection of winter wear that ranged, in bold looks, from the puritan to the choirboy. This particular ensemble was called "Chorister". One dress in particular was an instant success. Within a week of its appearance, cheap copies (with slight adaptations) were available in certain chain stores.

This ensemble forms part of the Cecil Beaton Collection, brought together by the society photographer Sir Cecil Beaton (1904-1980). With great energy and determination, Beaton contacted the well-dressed elite of Europe and North America to help create this lasting monument to the art of dress. The Collection was exhibited in 1971, accompanied by a catalogue that detailed its enormous range.
Bibliographic reference
Fashion : An Anthology by Cecil Beaton. London : H.M.S.O., 1971 369
Collection
Accession number
T.53 to B-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

Record createdDecember 15, 1999
Record URL
Download as: JSON