Suit
Designer
Elsa Schiaparelli
(1890 - 1973)
Winter 1939
Wool tweed
Gift of Mr. Rodman A. Heeren
Object number68.151.4
This suit is from Schiaparelli’s “cash and carry” collection, designed in Paris just after the onset of World War II. It features military styling and large pockets, which, according to the designer, take “the place of handbags which are clumsy when one is already burdened with a gas mask.” Schiaparelli’s trademark zippers are hidden under the pocket flaps and rugged leather buttons are embossed with the letter “S.”
DescriptionSuit; hip length purple wool tweed jacket; notched collar; long sleeves extended and padded at shoulders; broad stitched tuck extending from bust, over shoulders to waist in back; three button closing, large round black leather buttons stamped S (one missing); two deep patch pockets with pointed flaps over plastic zipper closings; narrow half belt in back; lined plum crepe. Purple wool tweed straight midcalf skirt darted to inner waistband; plastic zipper on right side.Collections
Exhibitions