Dress

Helmut Lang

spring/summer 1997 · cotton, spandex, metal · Costume Institute

This Helmut Lang sheath dress in synthetic fabric from the spring/summer 1997 collection embodies the epitome of Lang's blend of utilitarian minimalism with a sensuous twist. Lang subverts the austerity of the minimalist design idiom by adding a decorative strip of fabric loosely acting as a belt. Lang took inspiration from US military parka belts and used these utilitarian garment extensions as a decorative counterpoint to his modernist, minimal heritage. Austrian artist Helmut Lang designed men's and women's clothing under the Helmut Lang label from its founding in 1986 through his resignation from the house in 2005. His work, described by fashion historians and critics as minimal and deconstructed, often exposed the interior structure of a garment and made innovative use of high-tech materials.

Artist

Helmut Lang

Date

spring/summer 1997

Medium

cotton, spandex, metal

Culture

Austrian

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Gift of Estate of Jean Stein, 2017