Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) - Latest News and Information
The video spotlights Elsa Schiaparelli’s iconic pine‑cone choker, unveiled in her summer 1939 “bustle” collection. The surrealist piece combines purple velvet ribbons with dangling gold‑plated pine cones, intended to accentuate a low‑cut, scoop‑neck silhouette. Although the pine cones appear massive, they are hollow, making the necklace surprisingly light. Crafted by French jeweler Jean Schlumber, the hollow metal shells catch and refract light, creating a dazzling effect that aligns with Schiaparelli’s theatrical aesthetic. The design reflects her penchant for natural motifs rendered in unexpected forms. The choker was famously worn by avant‑garde actress and model Ruth Ford, underscoring its appeal to daring, elite clientele. Ford later donated the piece, along with other radical Schiaparelli ensembles such as the “tears” dress and skeleton costume, to the Victoria and Albert Museum, preserving its legacy. The pine‑cone choker exemplifies how surrealism infiltrated high fashion, influencing contemporary designers who seek to blend art with wearable statements. Its museum placement highlights the enduring market for vintage couture and the commercial value of historically significant accessories.
The video unpacks a trove of Elsa Schiaparelli’s most eccentric creations – from a 1939 pine‑cone choker to surreal perfume bottles and miniature accessories – all loaned from the Maison’s archive. It highlights how the designer’s collaborations with artists such...
The video dissects the iconic Chanel suit worn by Hollywood legend Lauren Bacall, revealing the subtle engineering that underpins its timeless elegance. While the silhouette appears effortlessly simple, the garment is a product of "hook couture"—a labor‑intensive process that stitches...
The video follows master enameller Ruth Ball as she painstakingly recreates a 1781 portrait of Queen Charlotte in miniature form, using the centuries‑old craft of vitreous enamel on a sub‑millimetre copper sheet. The process begins with grinding glass powders, washing...
