Object: Evening ensemble
Designer:
Gianfranco Ferré
(1944 - 2007)
Date: Spring 1998
Medium: White silk organza, crystal seed beads and blue/white shot silk taffeta
Country: Italy
Credit Line: Gift of Gianfranco Ferre S.p.A.
Object number: 99.83.10
DescriptionEvening set; lacy white silk organza bustier with faggoting and crystal seed beads; blue/white shot silk taffeta wrap skirt with flared and ruffled train attached at back waist
Label Text:Ferre devoted his spring 1998 collection to an exploration of corsetry, juxtaposed with pale, lightweight silks. The bustier and long shapely skirt, as interpreted in luxurious pastel materials, transcend common notions. In contrast to stiff "tight lacing," the sheer, white, perforated organza exposes the skin and forms a floating swag. The fabric is strong enough for boning, yet so delicate that the crystal beadwork seems to merge with it. The iridescent tone is reflected in the "shot" silk of the skirt, where light blue and white interplay to created a pearlized surface that emphasizes the abundant volume and folds of the train. Artfully constructed of fine, crisp taffeta and net, the train creates a weightless sweep around a narrow tubular skirt. This dramatic ensemble, with its play of delicacy and sculptural freedom, puts a contemporary twist on historical styles and expresses the triumph of form over substance. It is created in a light-hearted spirit - like that of a magician - typical of contemporary Italian fashion.
Exhibitions:
- Fashion, A-Z: Highlights from the Collection of the Museum at FIT (Part Two)