Evening cape
The intriguing diamond decorations with creative pleated velvet centers make this evening cape memorable. The concept of incorporating a full jacket with an overcape is drawn from the 19th-century Inverness cape, once again following the House of Worth's predilection for looking to the past for fashions of the present.
Jean-Charles Worth joined the House of Worth around 1910 and became chief designer after World War I when his uncle, Jean-Philippe Worth, retired. He transitioned the Worth style into a new era of simpler lines and silhouettes with minimal trim indicative of the 1920s and 30s. He also moved the House into the more practical styles reflecting the decrease in noble patrons. Jean-Charles retired in 1935, passing the design reins to his nephew, Roger Worth.
Roger Worth began designing for the House of Worth in 1935 at the time of his uncle, Jean-Charles Worth's, retirement. He continued his uncle's legacy of simple lines but included small amounts of elaborate trimmings which his great-grandfather, Charles Frederick Worth, had used continuously, such as lace, beadwork embroidery and creative effects with the fabric itself. Despite his efforts, the old house was troubled through the war years and never fully recovered before being purchased by the House of Paquin in 1954. The house was subsequently closed two years later when all attempts to revitalize were ceased.
Jean-Charles Worth joined the House of Worth around 1910 and became chief designer after World War I when his uncle, Jean-Philippe Worth, retired. He transitioned the Worth style into a new era of simpler lines and silhouettes with minimal trim indicative of the 1920s and 30s. He also moved the House into the more practical styles reflecting the decrease in noble patrons. Jean-Charles retired in 1935, passing the design reins to his nephew, Roger Worth.
Roger Worth began designing for the House of Worth in 1935 at the time of his uncle, Jean-Charles Worth's, retirement. He continued his uncle's legacy of simple lines but included small amounts of elaborate trimmings which his great-grandfather, Charles Frederick Worth, had used continuously, such as lace, beadwork embroidery and creative effects with the fabric itself. Despite his efforts, the old house was troubled through the war years and never fully recovered before being purchased by the House of Paquin in 1954. The house was subsequently closed two years later when all attempts to revitalize were ceased.
Artwork Details
- Title: Evening cape
- Design House: House of Worth (French, 1858–1956)
- Designer: Attributed to Jean-Charles Worth (French, 1881–1962)
- Designer: Attributed to Roger Worth (French, born 1908)
- Date: 1930–40
- Culture: French
- Medium: silk
- Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Ogden Goelet, Peter Goelet and Madison Clews in memory of Mrs. Henry Clews, 1961
- Object Number: 2009.300.3233
- 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.
House of Worth
Charles Frederick Worth
ca. 1890
Multiple artists/makers
1890–98
House of Worth
Charles Frederick Worth
ca. 1889
House of Worth
Jean-Philippe Worth
1907
Multiple artists/makers
ca. 1890
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.