Maggie Norris' elegant ode to shirt opens at Victoria & Albert Museum
18 Apr '07
3 min read
A new exhibition opens at London's Victoria and Albert Museum where American couturier Maggie Norris' bespoke craftsmanship, extensive European research and luxurious design are bringing a new dimension to Haute Couture in a glorious celebration of the once common shirt.
“Presenting her impeccably crafted tuxedo shirts as part of the Museum exhibition 'New York Fashion Now,' Norris draws on a lyrical global vision, fusing inspirations that include her love of horseback riding, the English countryside, dressage, Saville Row and the work of bespoke artisans for the Royal Family,” said NewsMark Public Relations CEO Mark Hopkinson.
The exquisite pieces on display are drawn from the designer's new collection of provocatively tailored and corseted chemiserie that evoke an era of Proust and Balzac as well as gentry like Beau Brummell and Oscar Wilde. Norris' virtuosity with fabric, color and embroidery reverberate in cream colored Satin La Tour evening coats that bloom with hand-appliqued silk ribbon embroidery.
Paired with antique satin documents featuring chinoiserie motifs from the early 18th century, stunning corsets finished with trapunto stitching and satin bows that stud front closures, each is a work of art unto itself.
Alluring riding jackets cut from vermilion satin duchesse recalling the sport of kings, are paired with dramatically hand-draped skirts, while more traditional elements of men's haberdashery like cotton piqué shown as acummerbund, a dressage hat fabricated from supple suede, and a tie in an exuberant French print complete the ensemble.
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