The Art and Craft of Haute Couture Kenneth D. King “Kenneth King maintains that a truly revolutionary stance in today’s climate which is to produce clothing that is beautiful and beautifully made, while enhancing one’s appearance that is both a joy to look at and a pleasure to wear. ” By combining 21st century materials with traditional techniques, he creates garments that clearly express this distinct vision of beauty. King is widely featured in the press such as the New York Times, Threads Magazine and French Glamour. He also has designed pieces for Elton John, Don Johnson and Gina Davis. King's work can be found in the permanent collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. (Kenneth King: Couture Designer)
Watch Fullscreen American Textile History Museum Clothing Collection Bodice Seafoam, 1904-1905
This bodice is from a two-piece sea foam silk ensemble. The amazing cream accents gracefully enhance the neckline and shoulders using a bold embroidered technique, while ruching provides further embellishment. The bell style sleeves are elbow length, and the bodice has a drawstring neckline that closes at center back with hooks and eyes, and is fully lined in a complimentary silk with structural boning.
Green silk taffeta bodice with high boned lace collar embellished with Milan beads. The shorter, wider sleeves include air tucking around the shoulder and are trimmed with ruffles and lace. Other features found are bullion stitches, double metal closures, and a cut edge finish. A true work of beautiful handcrafted design.
Watch Fullscreen Lasell Fashion Collection Utility Suit, 1940's Victoria Juniors USA
Watch Fullscreen Lasell Fashion Collection Coat, Mid-1940's Lassie Junior USA
Wool crepe utility suit. Jacket features padded shoulders, as well as a flange style collar. Back pleats, and a nipped waist add a feminine silhouette. Plastic buttons are enhanced with a metallic center and a soft pink color pallete completes this look.
Grey wool composite princess style utility coat with dolman sleeves that includes diamond gussets under the arms. The design also features a small rounded collar with a unique geometric detailing. Because metal was restricted, plastic buttons are used as both decorative and functional closures.
Watch Fullscreen Lasell Fashion Collection Ensemble, Mid-1960's Pauline Trigere France
Black faille princess style calf length coat with a narrow bodice and full skirt captures this "New Look" creation. The design includes a peter pan collar and three-quarter length sleeves with self-covered buttons. Lined with an inner cross weave taffeta and marked with French tacks distinguish this piece as a couture design.
Textured heavy weight silk dress with matching jacket. Dress is constructed with a slim bodice that flares into an A-line knee-length skirt. French seams are used, and structural pleats are located within the skirt, providing the garment with shape. The short jacket is embellished with fabric tie.
Watch Fullscreen Lasell Fashion Collection Dress, Late 1970's Arnold Scaasi USA
Watch Fullscreen Lasell Fashion Collection Coat, Early 1980's Valentino USA
White and pink strapless couture dress made from white organza petal style pleated layers. Each layer is trimmed with pink satin, and a pink ribbon accentuates the waist. This dress features a high-low hemline, and incorporates horsehair reinforcement throughout the skirt.
Red wool Valentino coat with a classic inspired trench style silhouette. The full dolman sleeves are cuffed with French tacks, signifying a couture technique. This piece is also constructed using French seams, pleating, exaggerated lapels, and unique button detailing.
This evening gown features bright pink layers of tulle and sequins as well as a gathered tunic overlay finished with jeweled buttons. The strapless bodice creates a sweetheart neckline that has been reinforced and padded. The skirt is a modified mermaid creation that promotes fluid movement.
Navy blue double knit dress with intense gathering at the waist and hips to create controlled fullness and movement. This design features a detachable scarf-like collar piece, dolman sleeves, and trapunto seaming along the bottom.
Watch Fullscreen Lasell Fashion Collection Gown, 1989 Arnold Scaasi USA
This dramatic full length gown features a gold metallic elongated torso embellished with silk embroidery. The skirt includes many layers of gathered polka-dot tulling that is hand-tacked. Prominent shoulder pads and metallic gems create a show-stopping effect.
Lasell Fashion Collection
Donahue Center for Creative and Applied Arts 1844 Commonwealth Avenue Newton, MA 02466 fashioncollection@lasell.edu
