Under Lock and (Piano) Key

Music is a frequent source of inspiration for designers and is often manifested quite literally through music notes, F-holes and piano keys. In 1985, Karl Lagerfeld looked to the monochromatic piano when designing a cocktail dress for Chanel which featured panels of black silk “piano keys” appliquéd onto a white pouf skirt of organza. Taking a slightly less abstract take on the piano key dress, a few years later Franco Moschino would design a pleated black dress for Moschino Cheap and Chic with trompe l’oeil piano keys for pleats. The dress would also reappear in the brand’s 2014 Resort collection.

The Piano Dress by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, 1985. Housed at the V&A Museum.

Piano Key dress by Moschino Cheap and Chic, ca. 1990