Appliqué is ornamental needlework in which pieces of fabric in different shapes and patterns are sewn or stuck onto a larger piece to form a picture or pattern. It is commonly used as decoration, especially on garments. The technique is accomplished either by hand or machine. Appliqué is commonly practised with textiles, but the term may be applied to similar techniques used on different materials. In the context of ceramics, for example, an appliqué is a separate piece of clay added to the primary work, generally for the purpose of decoration. Reference: Wikipedia
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture, autumn-winter 1972-1973 SATIN NIGHT JACKET DUCHESS EMERALD APPLIQUÉ FLOWERS YVES SAINT LAURENT HIGH COUTURE, A / W 1972-73 YEAR EMERALD GREEN SATIN EVENING JACKET, APPLIQUED AND QUILTED WITH FLOWERS
Sold for EUR 4,750 at Sotheby’s in 2015
Skirt and Top ensemble designed by Manish Arora – India’s most renowned fasion designer. The ensemble was designed for Arora’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection and was selected for display in the Fabric of India exhibition (3/10/2015-10/01/2016).
This skirt and top ensemble is inspired by the designers Indian heritage with a contemporary twist and an international outlook. The upper skirt is made from silk with gold applique, crystal beads, pearls and sequins. The detail of the skirt shows Arora’s penchant for strong patterns, bold textures and his trademark palette of pink and gold. Top is made from jersey, with iridescent strips, metals and pearls.
Arora is known for his astute craftsmanship and unique play on colours, his designs are inspired by his Indian heritage but with a contemporary twist and an international outlook. This skirt and top ensemble is typical of his work. The upper skirt is made from silk with gold applique, crystal beads, pearls and sequin and top is made from jersey, with iridescent strips, metals and pearls. Arora rethinks traditional Indian embroidery, applique and beading by enlarging it or applying it with a breath-taking level of detail to create clothes that celebrate hand-making skills. The detail of the skirt shows Arora’s penchant for strong patterns, bold textures and his trademark palette of pink and gold.
Reference: © Victoria and Albert Museum
A Natalie Cole strapless gown Pale coral/pink strapless evening gown with imitation pearls, rhinestones, and lace applique in a floral design on the bodice and up to the knees, where it flares out into a mermaid-style skirt of iridescent ruffles with a long train and a full-length crinoline underneath, bearing an interior label inscribed, “Jovani,” size 6. Cole wore this striking gown to the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala at the New World Center on April 23, 2013 in Miami Beach, Florida. She both performed at the event and accepted the Premio Pionero Desi Arnaz (Desi Arnaz Pioneer Award) on behalf of her father, Nat King Cole.
Sold for US$ 500 (£ 388) inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2018
An embroidered dress probably by Madeleine Vionnet, of blue green silk chiffon, the layered skirt cut as petals and decorated with eleborate appliqué embroidery with a dragonfly and waterlilies, in mauve, pink and green velvet and silk chiffon, and paillettes, the matching underwear also embroidered, 1927, some of the applique work worn
Sold for GBP 836 at Christie’s in 2004
Geoffrey Beene Quilted Applique Ensemble American, Fall 1983 Of black wool melton, the long sleeved sheath dress with elliptical applique of bronze silk around collar edged in gold lame, the asymmetrical V-neck trimmed with gilt fringe tassel, the reversible coat applique with polychrome quilted silk abstract forms, some trimmed with tassels, size 6, labeled: Martha. Excellent condition.
Sold for $1,912 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle New York in 2003
Jeran Designs Creme Matte Jersey Evening Gown W/Hand Beaded Applique Belt – This beautiful draped floor length evening gown by Jeran Designs is constructed of creme colored matte jersey and has a long-sleeved design with dolman sleeves, a plunging v-cut neckline and a sultry 28″ slit up the front center. The gown is embellished with an exquisite applique belting hand beaded with silver and satin bugle beads, silver lochrosens, and a center sunburst design created from of various sizes and shapes, creating an aura reminiscent of 1930s Old Hollywood. The gown bears interior Jeran Designs, Made in U.S.A. and size 6 labels. Approximate measurements: bust-34″, waist-26″, length-62″, sleeve length-29″.
Sold for $120 at GWS Auctions Inc. in 2019