Jean Paul Gaultier, French, b. 1952: Ensemble, a) rayon, silk b) wool, a) L. at centre back: 31 ¼ in. (80.6 cm). b) L. at side seam: 44 ¾ in. (113.7 cm), spring/summer 1996 (New York, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of Richard Martin, 1996, Accession ID: 1996.257a, b); photo © The Metropolitan Museum of Art

André Courrèges, French, b. 1923: Dress (Coat-dress), wool, silk, l. at centre back: 38 in. (96.5 cm), 1965 (New York, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of Kimberly Knitwear Inc, 1974, Accession ID:1974.136.3); photo © The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Christian Dior Haute Couture, French, founded 1947; Designer: Christian Dior, French, 1905–1957: Chérie, Dinner dressr, silk, a) length at centre back: 23.5 in. (59.7 cm) b) length at centre back: 35.5 in. (90.2 cm), spring/summer 1947 (New York, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of Christian Dior, 1948, Accession ID:C.I.48.13a, b); photo © The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Elsa Schiaparelli, French, born Italy, 1890–1973 : Apollo of Versailles, cape, silk, metal, paste, l. at centre back 40 in. (101.5 cm), 1938 (New York, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of Estate of Lady Mendl, 1951, Accession ID:C.I.51.83); photo © The Metropolitan Museum of Art

House of Chanel, French, founded 1913; Designer: Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel, French, 1883–1971 (attrib.): Evening dress, silk, metallic thread, sequins, a) L. shoulder to hem: 42 in. (106.7 cm). b) L. shoulder to hem: 38 in. (96.5 cm), 1926–1927 (New York, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of Mrs. Georges Gudefin, in memory of Mrs. Clarence Herter, 1965, Accession ID:C.I.65.47.2a, b); photo © The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Madeleine Vionnet, French, 1876–1975: Evening dress, metal thread, no dimensions available, 1938 (New York, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of Mrs. Harrison Williams, Lady Mendl, and Mrs. Ector Munn, 1946, Accession ID:C.I.46.4.24a, b); photo © The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Jacques Doucet, French, 1871–1929: Ensemble (Dress), wool, silk, glass, a) l. at centre back: 50 in. (127 cm). b) l. at centre back: 58 ½ in. (148.6 cm). c) l. at centre back: 32 ½ in. (82.5 cm), 1920–1923 (New York, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of Mrs. W.G. Constable, 1975, Accession ID:1975.15a–c); photo © The Metropolitan Museum of Art