Evening dress
Designer
Grès
(French)
1980
Black and off white matte silk crepe
Gift of Diana Vreeland
Object number84.40.15
Onetime Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, Diana Vreeland commissioned this pajama during the last phase of Madame Grès's career. A graphic example of Grès's ethnically-inspired fashions, the gown at first appears to have little connection to non-Western dress because of the striped, Op Art pattern that swirls around the body in an ever-changing optical illusion. Except for one set-in sleeve, the body is one large piece of material joined at the shoulders to form a loop between the legs. The couturier created visual drama by manipulating the fabric on both the straight grain and the bias and by draping the fabric directly on Mrs. Vreeland. The result is a visually bold, uniquely draped evening costume that did not overwhelm its wearer, who was only five feet tall.
DescriptionFloor length asymmetrical tent evening dress / jumpsuit variation in black and off white horizontal striped silk crepe, tightly shirred over left shoulderCollections
Exhibitions