Ensemble
Designer
Romeo Gigli
(born 1949)
Fall 1991
Olive green rayon / cotton velvet; cotton; cotton / acetate; wool / nylon; suede and leather
Museum purchase
Object numberP91.53.1
In this ensemble, Romeo Gigli showcases two of his greatest influences - the regality of Renaissance artwork and the disheveled chic of streetwear. The unstructured "cocoon coat," one of Gigli's signature styles, is made of luxurious, muted green velvet that was laboriously heat-embossed to create a smocking effect. The romantic feel of the coat is then paired with simple, streamlined under-layers, including a jacket, bustier, and slim stirrup pants. The total effect is casual and practical, yet elegant enough to attract Gigli's glamorous clientele. The textiles were designed by Nigel Atkinson.
DescriptionMulticolor set: coat in olive velvet, heat embossed in smocked pattern, with polyeurethane back; teal blue cotton double breasted jacket with large shawl collar; beige, blue and green striped silk (?) bustier, burgundy red wool / nylon / Lycra pants with stirrup bottoms; red and brown suede ankle boots with laced oxford styling, flat heel plate, elongated pointed toe.Exhibitions