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“Watteau” from the Les Femmes Collection

Vivienne Westwood

Spring/Summer 1996

Contemporary designers continue explore the past for inspiration. Here, Vivienne Westwood looks to the 18th century. The suggestion of side hoops and the double box-pleats at the back echo 18th century fashion. The design subverts the sack worn by women in Watteau’s paintings, yet the gown’s deliberate asymmetry, with a single off-shoulder style and a polonaise pouf on only one side, gives it a thoroughly contemporary look. A white organdie version of this dress was designed for Lady Bianca Job-Tyroan in 1994 for the Queen Charlotte’s Ball. Westwood often subverts historical references in her designs, which has led her to continually produce innovative and original clothing since her first collections in the mid-1970s.

V & A Museum (Accession Number: T.438:1 to 4-1996)