Erté: Feline Costumes for Bal Tabarin

Romain de Tirtoff, known professionally as Erté after 1913, is best remembered for his fashion illustrations exemplifying the glamorous Art Deco style. His decorated career as a costume designer, which spanned over six decades, is less well-known but just as impressive.

Erté: Feline Costumes for Bal Tabarin celebrates the museum’s acquisition of vintage costumes by Erté, designed to be worn by showgirls at the Bal Tabarin cabaret in Paris. It examines Erté’s early career, the history of Bal Tabarin and three dramatic showgirl costumes now in the Underpinnings Museum collection.

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