Medium: Black silk faille

Date: 1967

Country: France

Credit: Museum purchase

One of the finest existing examples of the Grès sculptural gown is "Turandot." Photographed by Irving Penn on the model Verushka, it is basic in its construction, but operatic in manifestation. Made of black silk faille, the sleeveless, jeweled neckline was cut from a full circle placed on top of two other, larger circles. Made using the same principles as a tiered wedding cake, it is anything but saccharine. The folds of inky silk are brilliantly controlled: they give the wearer a kind of languid animation, not unlike a robed emperor or cleric.

Object Number: 2002.18.1