Evening ensemble

Designer Arnold Scaasi American, born Canada

1984

Not on view

Arnold Scaasi, the designer of this ball gown, is best known for his evening wear designs, worn by a long list of celebrity clients primarily during the 1960s through the 1980s. Scaasi's work incorporates lavish surface decoration, often in the form of floral trimming, bright colors and full silhouettes that extend the proportions of the body. Scaasi creations are rarely easy to ignore; their ostentatious quality has become a signature of the designer's work. This example, from later in the designer's career, shows his fearless use of color in the juxtapositon of three different vibrant hues. Black piecework delineates the bodice, hem and wrap. Using a more neutral color in this way the designer ties the elements of the ensemble together, while still demonstrating bold color choices.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Title: Evening ensemble
Designer: Arnold Scaasi (American, born Montreal, Canada, 1931–2015)
Date: 1984
Culture: American
Medium: silk
Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Mrs. William Randolph Hearst, Jr., 1986
Object Number: 2009.300.1033a, b
Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute

More Artwork

By Arnold Scaasi

In the same medium

From the same time and place

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Ball gown, Arnold Scaasi American, born Canada, silk, American — Ball gown
Arnold Scaasi
spring/summer 1988

Evening ensemble, Arnold Scaasi American, born Canada, silk, American — Evening ensemble
Arnold Scaasi
ca. 1961

Hat, Arnold Scaasi American, born Canada, Silk, American — Hat
Arnold Scaasi
1980

Evening ensemble, Arnold Scaasi American, born Canada, silk, fur, American — Evening ensemble
Arnold Scaasi
ca. 1958

Evening ensemble, Arnold Scaasi American, born Canada, silk, feathers, plastic, American — Evening ensemble
Arnold Scaasi
ca. 1970

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