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Ensemble

spring/summer 1951
Not on view
Griffe, who had worked with Vionnet, permitted the graduated structural elements to become ornament. Far more grandiloquent than Vionnet and, in the manner of the 1950s, returning to crinoline-like shaping and picturesque resplendence in fashion, Griffe created a full skirt with welt tuckes that encase bands of horsehair. One feature of this period is that the horsehair progresses very subtly from narrow to wider, demonstrating the sophisticated resources of the couture. Arguably, every skill of the couture flourished in the 1950s, and dresses seem to celebrate the métiers in an almost self-concious flamboyance.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Ensemble
  • Design House: Griffe of Paris (French)
  • Designer: (a–f) Jacques Griffe (French, 1917–1996)
  • Designer: (g, h) André Perugia (French, 1893–1977)
  • Design House: (i) Alwynn (French)
  • Date: spring/summer 1951
  • Culture: French
  • Medium: silk, cotton, leather, nylon
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Byron C. Foy, 1953
  • Object Number: C.I.53.40.14a–i
  • Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute

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Stole, Griffe of Paris French, wool, French
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Griffe of Paris
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Griffe of Paris
Jacques Griffe
1950–55
Evening dress, Griffe of Paris French, silk, nylon, French
Evening dress
Griffe of Paris
Jacques Griffe
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Evening dress, Griffe of Paris French, silk, French
Evening dress
Griffe of Paris
Jacques Griffe
1953–57
Dress, Griffe of Paris French, wool, French
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Griffe of Paris
Jacques Griffe
ca. 1952

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