Evening ensemble

Roberto Capucci

1958 · silk · Costume Institute

This dress is a wonderful representation of Roberto Capucci's early work. Beginning his fashion career in 1951, he was considered a young design genius and by 1956 the international press stated that he was the best Italian fashion designer. Quite an achievement for such a new designer, his 1958 collection was awarded the "Fashion Oscar" by Filene's of Boston. The collection was based on angular clothing and introduced the concept of architecture and volume as related to dress. The overbodice of this piece exemplifies this architectural concept, as it is tailored meticulously to achieve the perfect fit while incorporating box-like angles.

Artist

Roberto Capucci

Date

1958

Medium

silk

Culture

Italian

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Betsy Pickering Theodoracopulos, 1966