Details
Comprising a tailcoat of ivory silk crêpe lavishly embroidered with raised-work trails of wisteria to the shoulders and sleeves, chrysanthemums to the hem worked in satin stitch and Peking knot, lined and edged in crimson satin, appliqued embroidered butterflies to one shoulder; a matching red satin cuirasse-shaped corset; a pair of associated ivory silk trousers; a pair of Manolo Blahnik suede stilettoes, size 41 1/2; a wisteria embroidered hat; and a pair of Brian Atwood elevated wedge sandals with macramé thongs and leather tassels, size 39; the hat and platforms forming part of the catwalk look
The corset: bust 34 in. (86 cm.) approx.; waist 26 in. (66 cm.)
Special notice
Following the auction, this lot will be stored at Crozier Park Royal and will be available for collection from 12.00pm on the second business day after the sale. Please call Christie’s Client Service 24 hours in advance to book a collection time at Crozier Park Royal. All collections from Crozier Park Royal will be by pre-booked appointment only. Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 9060 I Email: cscollectionsuk@christies.com.
Please note this lot is the property of a consumer. See H1 of the Conditions of Sale.
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Lot Essay

This final look for the Spring-Summer 'Tagasode' collection was intended as a version of a traditional Japanese wedding ensemble. This was the last shown collection which Scott described as 'a nod to late 16th century Japan in the Momoyama period and the art of dressing. Inspired by the haunting of my favourite ancient Tagasode screen.'
In classical love poetry the phrase Tagasode (“Whose Sleeves?”) refers to an absent woman whose beautiful robes evoke memories of their owner. Although elements of embroidery and special wisteria prints on satin were used in the collection, this particular ensemble is much more lavish and is a celebration of traditional Japanese embroidery.
The floral patterns were inspired by an antique Japanese kimono from Scott's diverse vintage archive, which remained a source of inspiration for her collections over the years. The cost of embroidery was so high that she chose as the show's sound-track 'Baby Did a Bad Thing'. Scott said, 'I’m a big fan of needlework so when you are commissioned to do a couture piece, you choose to place the embroidery of each motif where the most beautiful work will be seen.'
Wisteria and peonies were her favourite flowers and were to re-occur in many of her collections through the years. She wore this ensemble to attend the British Fashion Awards at the London Coliseum on 2 December 2013.

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