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'Matador' ensemble
Designed by: Cristóbal Balenciaga (Spanish (active in France), 1895–1972)
French
about 1948, restyled in the 1950s
Medium/Technique
Silk and gold metallic thread velvet, embroidered with metallic thread and silk fringe
Dimensions
Costume (bodice - bust): 13 3/8 in. (34 cm)
Costume (skirt - waist): 26 in. (66 cm)
Costume (skirt - waist): 26 in. (66 cm)
Credit Line
Frank B. Bemis Fund
Accession Number2014.1222.1-2
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope, Fashion and Textiles
ClassificationsCostumes
DescriptionDark purple silk and lame velvet bodice with portrait collar embroidered with three-dimensional gold braided florets and fronds which are further embellished with gold sequins and coils of purl wire in the manner of the Spanish matador's traje de luces. The hem and collar edged in black 'Spanish' fringing, four buttons to fasten.
Dark purple silk lame velvet slender skirt with fixed draped pleats to the front culminating in bustle-like ties to the back.
Dark purple silk lame velvet slender skirt with fixed draped pleats to the front culminating in bustle-like ties to the back.
ProvenanceBefore 2014, acquired by Kerry Taylor, London; June 26, 2014, sold by Taylor to the MFA. (Accession date: September 24, 2014)