Collection Online
Medium
cotton, rayon, leather, sequins, metal, paint
Measurements
(a) 184.0 cm (centre back) 67.0 cm (sleeve length) (dress)
(b) 125.0 cm (centre back) 77.0 cm (waist, flat) (outer petticoat)
(c) 125.0 cm (centre back) 112.0 cm (waist, flat) (inner petticoat)
(d) 109.0 × 8.0 cm irreg. (belt)
(e) 50.0 × 8.0 cm (neck belt)
(f-g) 21.0 × 12.0 cm irreg. (each) (gloves)
(h) 91.0 cm (outer circumference) 19.0 cm (height) 23.5 cm (width) (helmet)
(i-j) 24.0 cm (height) (each) 12.0 cm (width) (each) 26.0 cm (length) (each) (shoes)
Accession Number
1999.180.a-j
Department
Australian Fashion and Textiles
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, 1999
© Courtesy of the artist's estate
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of Professor AGL Shaw AO Bequest
Gallery location
Not on display
Physical description
The Metropolitan has a full-length floral satin dress in red, blues, pink, white and purple. It is randomly decorated with clusters of blue sequins hand sewn to the fabric. The dress is constructed with an attached headpiece covering the neck and head with openings for the eyes and mouth. The long sleeves are accentuated at the top by shoulder pads, flaring from the elbow, with a separate piece creating the shape of a trumpet, and remaining open under the armhole. The bodice is seamed down the centre front and features a breast pocket on the left side. The skirt is high waisted with the bulk of the fabric at the centre front and back, gathered into inverted pleats creating a very full skirt which flares out as the wearer moves. A zipper runs along the back of the mask and centre back. The dress is fully lined with orange satin. Underneath the dress is worn a full-length multi-coloured tartan taffeta petticoat. Lined from the hip section to the hem with tiers of nylon tulle in white, orange, and purple, forming a gigantic bouffant skirt. The Metropolitan is worn with a black 'Kaiser' helmet, a black leather neck belt, a black leather waist belt, a pair of camouflage print leather gloves and a pair of leather platform high heels, overpainted in 'candy' pink.