Evening ensemble
Tulle and chiffon, like lace, possess inherent tensile qualities that enabled Chanel to assert the natural curvature of the body. Her chiffon gowns, in particular, drift over the bust, waist, and hips with an erotic suppleness. Similarly, her tulle gowns reveal discrete finishes, such as shirring applied to the derriere, in an attempt to accommodate the body's topography. Several of Chanel's tulle gowns from the 1930s have plunging backs and necklines. Often, however, Chanel would counter this apparent immodesty by creating matching jackets or boleros that gave the dresses a more demure, romantic appearance.
Artwork Details
- Title: Evening ensemble
- Design House: House of Chanel (French, founded 1910)
- Designer: Gabrielle Chanel (French, Saumur 1883–1971 Paris)
- Date: ca. 1932
- Culture: French
- Medium: cotton
- Credit Line: Gift of Hugh L. Bulkley, in memory of his mother, Margaret Ludlum Bulkley, 1977
- Object Number: 1977.325a, b
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
House of Chanel
Gabrielle Chanel
1932
Multiple artists/makers
fall/winter 1987–88
Multiple artists/makers
spring/summer 2009–10
Multiple artists/makers
fall/winter 2012–13
House of Chanel
Gabrielle Chanel
1937
Related Content
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.