Evening ensemble

In contrast to the hard elegance of Schiaparelli's dinner suits, Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel continued to promote her unique brand of dressed-up informality for eveningwear during the mid- to late-1930s. Her casual chic, shown to great effect in these two ensembles, attracted many members of le beau monde including Madame Misia Sert and the Vicomtesse Marie-Laure de Noailles. This trouser suit belonged to Diana Vreeland, a close friend of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Despite the extravagance of the sequins, the suit does not obscure the presence of the wearer, who knew exactly how to carry it off with panache. Diana Vreeland wore it with a black ribbon tied around the neck, into which a red rose was placed.