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Jessica Brown Findlay (as Lady Sybil): The 'Harem' pants Season 1, Episode 4 4
1/10
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Description
Jessica Brown Findlay (as Lady Sybil): The 'Harem' pants Season 1, Episode 4 Antique gold and blue embroidered bodice with gold printed organza sleeves with two-toned turquoise shot silk pantaloons with cuffed ankles, accessorised with a vintage diamante and metallic embroidered headdress and Egyptian-inspired bronze and faux-pearl necklace, alongside sky-blue satin shoes, (4) Footnotes: Lady Sybil Crawley was the youngest daughter of Lord and Lady Grantham, and is remembered as the most empathetic and forward-thinking of the Crawley sisters. The present lot is certainly one of the most important of Lady Sybil's costumes, and is emblematic of her character. Lady Sybil wears this piece when she comes down for dinner, prompting many raised eyebrows, murmurs and shocked responses from her family. This piece is juxtaposed in the scene by the costumes of the rest of the cast, who represent a more conservative culture. Instead, Sybil represents female expression and rebellion, away from the corseted restrictions of Downton, and indeed a changing world. The 'harem' pants echoed the Eastern design and fashion influences that were permeating through Europe at the time, in part influenced by the Ballets Ruses, founded by Sergei Diaghilev, beginning their performances in Europe in 1909, and having made their debut at the Royal Opera House in London during 1911. Paul Poiret, a notable French designer, was greatly inspired by the daring and magnificent costumes of the Ballets Russes and began to design equally extravagant and innovative clothing as a result, launching his own harem pants collection in 1911. The silk for the trousers was bought from Shepherds bush market in London and laid over a stiffer silk taffeta to give the pantaloons shape. The bodice was made of an original piece of embroidery sourced from a vintage fair and the sleeves are also original early twentieth century fabric, a very delicate printed organza. Literature: E. Marriott, The Costumes of Downton Abbey, New York: Weldon Owen, 2023, pp. 153-156, 2023. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 'Paul Poiret (1879–1944),' Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History, Accessed July 4, 2025. Saleroom notices: Please note that the tiara is not screen matched. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: † † VAT at the prevailing rate on Hammer Price and Buyer's Premium. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing
Saleroom Notice:
Please note that the tiara is not screen matched.
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Jessica Brown Findlay (as Lady Sybil): The 'Harem' pants Season 1, Episode 4 Antique gold and blue embroidered bodice with gold printed organza sleeves with two-toned turquoise shot silk pantaloons with cuffed ankles, accessorised with a vintage diamante and metallic embroidered headdress and Egyptian-inspired bronze and faux-pearl necklace, alongside sky-blue satin shoes, (4) Footnotes: Lady Sybil Crawley was the youngest daughter of Lord and Lady Grantham, and is remembered as the most empathetic and forward-thinking of the Crawley sisters. The present lot is certainly one of the most important of Lady Sybil's costumes, and is emblematic of her character. Lady Sybil wears this piece when she comes down for dinner, prompting many raised eyebrows, murmurs and shocked responses from her family. This piece is juxtaposed in the scene by the costumes of the rest of the cast, who represent a more conservative culture. Instead, Sybil represents female expression and rebellion, away from the corseted restrictions of Downton, and indeed a changing world. The 'harem' pants echoed the Eastern design and fashion influences that were permeating through Europe at the time, in part influenced by the Ballets Ruses, founded by Sergei Diaghilev, beginning their performances in Europe in 1909, and having made their debut at the Royal Opera House in London during 1911. Paul Poiret, a notable French designer, was greatly inspired by the daring and magnificent costumes of the Ballets Russes and began to design equally extravagant and innovative clothing as a result, launching his own harem pants collection in 1911. The silk for the trousers was bought from Shepherds bush market in London and laid over a stiffer silk taffeta to give the pantaloons shape. The bodice was made of an original piece of embroidery sourced from a vintage fair and the sleeves are also original early twentieth century fabric, a very delicate printed organza. Literature: E. Marriott, The Costumes of Downton Abbey, New York: Weldon Owen, 2023, pp. 153-156, 2023. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 'Paul Poiret (1879–1944),' Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History, Accessed July 4, 2025. Saleroom notices: Please note that the tiara is not screen matched. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: † † VAT at the prevailing rate on Hammer Price and Buyer's Premium. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing
Saleroom Notice:
Please note that the tiara is not screen matched.
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