Ensemble
Designer
Romeo Gigli
(born 1949)
1995
Silk, beads, and copper bracelet
Gift of Romeo Gigli
Object number97.70.1
Romeo Gigli is best known for his poetic, historicizing fashions of the 1980s. However, he has also explored the theme of exoticism. This African-inspired ensemble draws on elements of traditional dress in Mali, Kenya, and the Sudan. The lightweight, earth-toned silks of the bra top and the pants are a somewhat subdued choice for the designer, as he abandons his use of overtly luxurious fabrics. A feeling of opulence has been achieved instead through the complex construction of the corset, highlighted through the use of striking blue and red beads. The corset also acts as a new take on the bustiers that Gigli layered over ensembles in several earlier collections.
DescriptionEnsemble: brown silk bra top; copper silk pants with brown print of geometric designs; corset with red, blue and brown beads; brass bracelet with engraved design; leather thong sandalsCollections
Exhibitions