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Suit

1996 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Jackets of this style - tailored, hip-length, and with a standing collar and long placket of buttons - became popular in places including Europe in the late 1960s. These garments were widely referred to as 'Nehru jackets' as they take inspiration from garments worn by Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister of India from 1947 to 1964. Nehru wore the archkan, a knee length coat and the more informal bundi waistcoat, both of which had standing collars and long button plackets. Those who wore 'Nehru jackets' outside of India in the 'Swinging Sixties' tended to be expressing an interest in breaking away from traditions, sartorial and otherwise. This helps to explain why 'Nehru jackets' were often made from luxurious fabrics such as silk and velvet that were colourful and/or patterned, rather than the plainer materials that had long been favoured for menswear by many cultures. The style had its heyday in the late 1960s but was revived in the 1980s and 1990s in places including Britain and the United States.

Favourbrook specialises in luxurious, ornate clothing inspired by various cultures and periods. The silk embroidery on this 'Nehru jacket’ that was carried out in sumptuous velvet is reminiscent of Iranian floral designs on carpets and ceramics. The jacket came with velvet trousers and a cotton shirt. The silk cravats would have provided a flamboyant finishing touch.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 6 parts.

  • Jacket
  • Trousers
  • Cravat
  • Cravat
  • Shirt
  • Trousers
Materials and techniques
'Nehru jacket' in velvet embroidered with silk, two pairs of velvet trousers, two silk cravats and a cotton shirt
Brief description
Menswear suit ensemble comprising a 'Nehru jacket' in black velvet with silver silk embroidery, two pairs of black velvet trousers, two silk cravats and a white cotton shirt, designed by Favourbrook, Great Britain, 1996
Physical description
Menswear suit ensemble comprising a 'Nehru jacket' in black velvet with silver silk embroidery, two pairs of black velvet trousers, two silk cravats and a white cotton shirt.
Credit line
Given by the designer
Object history
Registered File number 1996/718.
Summary
Jackets of this style - tailored, hip-length, and with a standing collar and long placket of buttons - became popular in places including Europe in the late 1960s. These garments were widely referred to as 'Nehru jackets' as they take inspiration from garments worn by Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister of India from 1947 to 1964. Nehru wore the archkan, a knee length coat and the more informal bundi waistcoat, both of which had standing collars and long button plackets. Those who wore 'Nehru jackets' outside of India in the 'Swinging Sixties' tended to be expressing an interest in breaking away from traditions, sartorial and otherwise. This helps to explain why 'Nehru jackets' were often made from luxurious fabrics such as silk and velvet that were colourful and/or patterned, rather than the plainer materials that had long been favoured for menswear by many cultures. The style had its heyday in the late 1960s but was revived in the 1980s and 1990s in places including Britain and the United States.

Favourbrook specialises in luxurious, ornate clothing inspired by various cultures and periods. The silk embroidery on this 'Nehru jacket’ that was carried out in sumptuous velvet is reminiscent of Iranian floral designs on carpets and ceramics. The jacket came with velvet trousers and a cotton shirt. The silk cravats would have provided a flamboyant finishing touch.
Collection
Accession number
T.160:1 to 6-1996

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Record createdJanuary 15, 2003
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