Evening belt

Unknown

ca. 1938 · silk, leather · Costume Institute

Featured here is an amusing reinterpretation of a classic regimental-striped man's tie into a woman's dress belt. This trend was made fashionable by the actor and dancer Fred Astaire, who preferred to tighten his pants with a tie rather than a traditional belt. This piece is very well-made and has a visually stunning color combination. Additionally, the leather lining of the buckle is indicative of its fine quality.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1938

Medium

silk, leather

Culture

British

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Mrs. Stanley Mortimer, 1980