Scarf

Madeleine Vionnet

ca. 1935 · silk · Costume Institute

Madeleine Vionnet was a consummate technician, particularly known for her innovative use of the bias cut and the mathematically precise construction of her garments. Her talent in piecing is evident in the creation of this image of a sailboat floating on the water, unusual for Vionnet in its representational quality. The image itself reflects the popularity of sporting activities at that time, as well as the luxe lifestyle suggested by ocean travel (sailboats and ocean liners). The careful piecing of sails, clouds and even froth on the ocean waves is both artistically impressive and charming.

Artist

Madeleine Vionnet

Date

ca. 1935

Medium

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 Mrs. Edward G. Sparrow, 1969