Object: Evening dress
Brand:
Chanel
(French, founded 1914)
Designer:
Karl Lagerfeld
(1933 - 2019)
Date: c. 1989
Medium: Silk tulle, synthetic net, and plastic
Country: France
Credit Line: Gift of Anonymous
Object number: 2014.63.3
DescriptionBlack strapless evening dress with short pouf skirt in pleated, shirred and draped silk tulle, white and black flowers overall in various sizes with shiny black leaves and center pistil design detail, flower garland on silk satin ribbon tape creates halter neckline look; fitted bodice and defined waistline, internal cage crinoline boning sandwiched in between net layers on outer skirt, straight skirt at base / lining, CB metal zipper closure, CB snaps at outer net skirt; internal grosgrain ribbon waist tape, hook and eye closure at CB, couture
Label Text:This little black dress by Karl Lagerfeld references the camellia, an emblem of the House of Chanel. Many couturiers have had signature flowers. It is believed that Coco Chanel preferred the camellia to other flowers partly because one is worn by the courtesan heroine of Dumas’s Le Dame aux Camélias, symbolizing purity of heart.
Exhibitions:
- Force of Nature