“Oscar Skirt” by Marc Jacobs for Perry Ellis, 1992

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“Oscar Skirt” by Marc Jacobs for Perry Ellis, 1992

The iconic Oscar statuette is plated in 24-karat gold. However, in this one-of-a-kind hand-painted Perry Ellis skirt, the reflective quality is almost entirely an illusion. The skirt uses very little metallic paint, with the statuettes rendered in various shades of brown and yellow to create the appearance of shine.

Floor-length A-line white cotton organdy skirt with hand-painted Oscar statuette motifs and curling film motifs around hem. Top of skirt is gathered and attached to a white satin waistband.

Details

Marc Jacobs for Perry Ellis Inc.

White cotton organdy skirt with hand-painted Oscar statuette motif

1992, USA

The Museum at FIT, 92.26.1

Gift of Perry Ellis Inc.

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Crystals, rhinestones, sequins, & beads

Fashion has used applied embellishments for centuries, using shiny facets and the movement of dangling pieces, such as beads and crystals, to draw the eye. Sequins are often made of plastic, though environmentally conscious designers have experimented with seaweed-based sequins, to maximize glamour while minimizing the ecological impact.