Belt
Schiaparelli often used her accessories as avenues of expression for her Surrealist ideals. Buckles, clasps, decorations and belts themselves were made of unusual materials, such as plastic and plaster, and in quirky shapes that could elicit a viewer’s double-take. To pair such an off-beat accessory with a couture garment was just the kind of humorous irony Schiaparelli enjoyed incorporating into her work.
Although this belt is monochromatic, the details such as the cut-out at back and the striated buckle prove her desire to add flair to each individual piece that she offered to her clients. The buckle is similar in material to many buttons on Schiaparelli garments, and is therefore most likely handmade by Jean Clement or Roger Jean-Pierre, who often worked with Schiaparelli to fabricate her button designs. Identical buttons seen on a jacket in the collection (see 2009.300.1208) prove this belt was designed as part of an ensemble.
Although this belt is monochromatic, the details such as the cut-out at back and the striated buckle prove her desire to add flair to each individual piece that she offered to her clients. The buckle is similar in material to many buttons on Schiaparelli garments, and is therefore most likely handmade by Jean Clement or Roger Jean-Pierre, who often worked with Schiaparelli to fabricate her button designs. Identical buttons seen on a jacket in the collection (see 2009.300.1208) prove this belt was designed as part of an ensemble.
Artwork Details
- Title: Belt
- Designer: Elsa Schiaparelli (Italian, 1890–1973)
- Date: ca. 1938
- Culture: French
- Medium: leather, metal
- Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Arturo and Paul Peralta-Ramos, 1954
- Object Number: 2009.300.3518
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Schiaparelli
Elsa Schiaparelli
winter 1936–37
Schiaparelli
Elsa Schiaparelli
spring 1938
Elsa Schiaparelli
1950s
Elsa Schiaparelli
1950s
Elsa Schiaparelli
Henri Bendel
1938
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.