Coat
1996 {Empress Josephine collection, autumn-winter 1996–97}
Medium
silk (brocade, satin), polyester (fur), linen, metallic thread, cotton, cotton silk (thread, braid)
Measurements
255.0 cm (centre back) 62.5 cm (sleeve, length)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of Krystyna Campbell-Pretty AM and Family through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program, 2023
Gallery location
Not on display
About this work
John Galliano was at the helm of the House of Givenchy for only a year before moving to Dior, but in this time he designed four collections – two ready-to-wear and two couture. His second couture collection was an ode to nineteenthcentury French Empress Josephine, first wife of Napolean Bonaparte, with a runway set that emulated Malmaison, the chateau Napoleon built for his Empress. This coat typifies the opulence of the collection, featuring elaborate passementerie and sumptuous brocade and velvet.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
France
Inscription
label, left seamline, woven (vertically) in white on blue polyester: HAUTE COUTURE / GIVENCHY / MADE IN FRANCE
Accession Number
2023.722
Department
International Fashion and Textiles