Belt

Elsa Schiaparelli

ca. 1938 · leather, metal · Costume Institute

Schiaparelli often used her accessories as avenues of expression for her Surrealist ideals. Buckles, clasps, decorations and belts themselves were made of unusual materials, such as plastic and plaster, and in quirky shapes that could elicit a viewer’s double-take. To pair such an off-beat accessory with a couture garment was just the kind of humorous irony Schiaparelli enjoyed incorporating into her work. Although this belt is monochromatic, the details such as the cut-out at back and the striated buckle prove her desire to add flair to each individual piece that she offered to her clients. The buckle is similar in material to many buttons on Schiaparelli garments, and is therefore most likely handmade by Jean Clement or Roger Jean-Pierre, who often worked with Schiaparelli to fabricate her button designs. Identical buttons seen on a jacket in the collection (see 2009.300.1208) prove this belt was designed as part of an ensemble.

Artist

Elsa Schiaparelli

Date

ca. 1938

Medium

leather, metal

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, 1954