Evening ensemble

Gabrielle Chanel|House of Chanel

ca. 1932 · cotton · Costume Institute

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.

Artist

Gabrielle Chanel|House of Chanel

Date

ca. 1932

Medium

cotton

Culture

French

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Gift of Hugh L. Bulkley, in memory of his mother, Margaret Ludlum Bulkley, 1977