Dinner dress

Elsa Schiaparelli

summer 1940 · silk, ceramic, plastic · Costume Institute

As World War II approached France, closures such as buttons were in short supply. For Schiaparelli's summer 1940 collection, creative and unusual alternatives were explored. Perhaps the whimsical painted metal fish buttons from this evening dress are vintage, saved from an earlier time, as Schiaparelli was known to do for her war time collections. The bright coral color of the fish is mirrored in the jersey overbodice. The overbodice itself, more like a large collar, is unique and creates an appealing silhouette. Worn by Millicent Rogers, the chic look is accomplished by the combination of the contrasting sophisticated, soothing celadon faille and the vivid coral jersey, joined together by the unique buttons.

Artist

Elsa Schiaparelli

Date

summer 1940

Medium

silk, ceramic, plastic

Culture

French

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Arturo and Paul Peralta-Ramos, 1955