Cream Qiana Jersey Beaded Top
DesignerDesigned by
Bill Gibb
(New Pitsligo, Scotland, 1943 - 1988)
Date1973
Object NameTop
MediumQiana jersey, Russian braid, pearls, sequins and beads
ClassificationsFashion and Dress
DimensionsLength: 97cm
No defined bust or waist measurement
No defined bust or waist measurement
AcquisitionPresented in 2016 by Christiane Gerrard.
Copyright© Bill Gibb Trust (2022)
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS093638
Keywords
The top features a square neck with shell-like fan shaped heavily beaded panels at the front and back. The front, back and sleeves of the top are pin-tucked and gathered into these beaded panels. The edge of the neck and shoulders are decorated with radiating lines of gold beads.
Qiana jersey, which is made from a silky nylon fibre, was developed in 1962 by DuPont. It was introduced to the market in 1968 with the intention that it would be used for high end fashions as an alternative to silk. Qiana jersey was a favourite fabric of Bill Gibb, who used it widely in his collections. He particularly loved its fluid, almost liquid quality and the way it could be draped to great effect.
This ensemble was designed as part of Bill Gibb's Spring/Summer 1977 Collection. Garments from the collection were modelled by Charlotte Rampling for an article in the February 1973 edition of Harpers & Queen magazine. The shell-like fan-shaped beaded panel from this top also featured in a cream Qiana jersey dress worn by Charlotte Rampling for the article.
More About Me
Charlotte Rampling wore one of these beaded panel tops for a photograph in an article on Gibb in Harper and Queen magazine.
