Evening suit

John Galliano, 1997

MEDIUM(a,b) wool, silk
LOCATIONThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
COLLECTIONCostume Institute
CULTUREFrench
CREDIT LINEGift of Thomas L. Kempner, 2006

Stop to appreciate the dramatic tailoring and luxurious materials of this 1997 evening suit. It exemplifies a moment when fashion embraced both classic elegance and a bold, theatrical vision.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

This striking evening suit from 1997 showcases a meticulous tailoring and a dramatic silhouette. Crafted from wool and silk, the ensemble features a sharply cut jacket that plays with traditional menswear lines while introducing a theatrical flair. The choice of luxurious materials speaks to the garment's purpose for formal wear, with the silk likely contributing to a subtle sheen or a contrasting texture against the wool. The design reflects a period when fashion was increasingly blurring the lines between historical influences and contemporary edge, offering a bold statement that is both elegant and assertive. It captures a moment of high creativity and boundary-pushing in late 20th-century fashion.

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What to Notice

1

The sharp, architectural shoulders of the jacket.

2

The way the fabric drapes, suggesting both structure and fluidity.

3

Any subtle textural differences between the wool and silk components.

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Audio Deep Dive

Stop to appreciate the dramatic tailoring and luxurious materials of this 1997 evening suit. It exemplifies a moment when fashion embraced both classic eleganc…

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THE ARTIST
John Galliano 1960 · United Kingdom

John Galliano, the British fashion rebel, transformed haute couture at Givenchy and Dior with his dramatic, historically inspired designs.

Read John's full story in Art Whisper
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