Gustav Klimt is an artist who’s work has always been very inspirational to me. The patterns, textures and graphic shapes in the paintings perfectly accompany his soft portraits. You can imagine my delight in discovering that the clothing that played such an part of his paintings actually existed! I’ll give you a quick re cap of the story behing these creations, but for more details check out Messyness Chic. Klimt came in contact with Emilie Flöge in 1891 after becoming the guardian of her sister’s child. Her sister had been married to Klimt’s brother, who had died.
Flöge and Klimt
Flöge was actually featured in some of his work, and is rumoured to be the woman in the famous golden “The Kiss”. There are rumours that they were lovers, but more likely it was a familial relationship. She started as a seamstress at her other sister’s dressmaking school to becoming a couturière. She created some revolutionary designs, very ahead of their time with their loose silhouettes. Klimt also drew some designs for her studio. She did not make a big mark at the time producing very niched dresses, but with more conventional pieces she managed to keep her design studio afloat.
Dress designed by Klimt
Some of Flöge’s more graphic dresses. The checked stripe dress was actually referenced in the 2015 Valentino Fall/Winter collection, amongst her other designs.
Do you think it is Emilie in the famous painting?
