Theatrical costume

Brooks Costume Company

1925–26 · wool, silk, leather, wood · Costume Institute

The Brooks Costume Company was the foremost maker of theatrical costumes in New York in the early part of the twentieth century and this ensemble is a testament to that reputation. This is a beautifully made garment with all refined details and dressmaking techniques, including self lining, two-tone custom buttons made from the two fabrics of the dress, a cape lined with the blue satin of the shirt, and button details at the skirt. Russian influences can be seen in the bodice of the dress with its Cossack style closure. It is also interesting to note that both the dress and the jacket look similar to the Russian-inspired dresses of Gabrielle Chanel of that same time period.

Artist

Brooks Costume Company

Date

1925–26

Medium

wool, silk, leather, wood

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Colonel and Mrs. Horace Figuers, 1973