Evening cape

Elsa Schiaparelli|House of Lesage

spring 1937 · wool, metal, silk · Costume Institute

This wonderful example of the relationship between Schiaparelli and embroidery house Lesage incorporates military epaulet-like styling in the heavily embroidered embellishment. The gold foil, in varying irregular lengths, is juxtaposed with the curvilinear couched cording, creating a dramatic surface appeal. The gold metallic also contrasts beautifully with the vibrant red ground fabric and the deep navy of the cape. The intriguing choice of closure, two gold bars that form a clasp, is another sign of Schiaparelli's creative hand, as she often employed unexpected forms as closures.

Artist

Elsa Schiaparelli|House of Lesage

Date

spring 1937

Medium

wool, metal, silk

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