Ensemble 1894 - 1904

This ensemble was crafted by the House of Worth sometime between 1858 and 1956. Immediately striking is how the corset, embellished with metallic embroidery and sequins, is juxtaposed with the softness of the lace sleeves. The structure is highly ordered: the satin that sheathes the corset is tightly controlled, creating a strong, central form. This rigidity sharply contrasts with the lace sleeves, which flare in loose, unstructured waves. The sleeves disrupt any sense of symmetry or predictability; their organic, flowing shape acts as a counterpoint to the corset's geometry. The ensemble destabilizes conventional notions of dress and identity. Rather than simply clothing the body, it sculpts and transforms it, engaging with broader ideas about femininity and the performative nature of identity. The interplay of light and shadow across the varied textures invites viewers to reconsider the boundaries between art, fashion, and the self. It’s a rich site for continued exploration.