Evening jacket 1888 - 1892

Curator: Just look at this "Evening Jacket," likely crafted between 1888 and 1892 by the House of Worth. The piece resides here at The Met, and it’s quite something, isn’t it? Editor: The color immediately strikes me. That deep burgundy velvet positively vibrates with wealth and access. Curator: Indeed. Burgundy has historically been associated with power, royalty, and… sacrifice, even. A heavy color with heavy connotations. And Worth catered to an elite clientele, shaping their aesthetic dreams. Editor: Shaped is right. I am especially curious about who labored on such a lavish object. The level of embellishment with the beadwork looks painstaking. What’s the full material breakdown? Curator: Velvet of course, and copious amounts of beadwork around the collar, cuffs and trim. The craftsmanship speaks to Romanticism, wouldn’t you agree? Look at the elegant design and the details of this particular piece. It invokes images of theatrical performances. Editor: I can imagine. To consider the human touch embedded within the object makes it more powerful to me. It's no doubt there were layers of workshops involved, from weaving the velvet to attaching each individual bead, reflecting a global market. Curator: What strikes me most is the tailoring, intended to sculpt and present an idealized silhouette. How the jacket carries visual signifiers for class and desire, revealing social meanings beyond pure utility. The jacket could almost be seen as a reflection of late 19th-century societal aspirations. Editor: Very true, I keep wondering what happened to these skilled craftspeople of the late 19th century. Did these handcrafting skills survive, evolve, or get consumed by new industries? These details encourage critical consumption in today's world. Curator: It certainly leaves one with plenty to reflect upon. It truly is an impressive creation. Editor: I agree, a tangible artifact revealing threads between individuals, industries and eras.