Robe de Style

Madeleine Vionnet

ca. 1939 · 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. Minimalist by philosophy, Vionnet's construction details were often executed so as to create decorative effects, obviating the need for any trimming. This robe de style is from the last part of the designer's career; she retired in 1942. It may have been created by Madame Charmant, her right-hand assistant. Although the robe de style is more indicative of 1910-12 fashion, the combination of a transparent dress and slim slip underskirt puts the dress, with its active visibility of the body, firmly in the 1930s.

Artist

Madeleine Vionnet

Date

ca. 1939

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