1930s 40s French Two Piece Costume Opera Henri Lebrun Paris Tunic Pink Oyster Tunic Skirt

Exceptional French Opera Costume by Henri Lebrun – Orientalist-Inspired Two-Piece Silk Ensemble

An extraordinary two-piece stage costume by the renowned French designer Henri Lebrun, known for his work in opera, theatre, and film from the 1930s through the 1960s. Lebrun was celebrated for his intricate, hand-finished garments and dramatic use of silhouette and texture. His costumes graced major French opera houses and later appeared in mid-century cinema, blending traditional craftsmanship with theatrical flair.

This ensemble—likely created for a mid-20th-century French opera production—features strong Orientalist influences, a style popular in European theatre and costume design at the time. The tunic is constructed from silvery grey grosgrain silk with elaborate black appliqué cording, paired with soft pink silk in the body and sleeves. The sculptural sleeves are especially striking, featuring inner zipped grosgrain layers. A mandarin-style collar and the tunic’s structured silhouette nod to imagined East Asian design, filtered through the lens of Parisian stage aesthetics.

The coordinating skirt is made from matching silk and cut for movement and drama on stage. The combination is visually arresting—bold, elegant, and unmistakably theatrical.

Condition:

Cleaned by hand with gentle detergent. Minor marks remain, along with slight fade in the black cording. The right underarm seam is unstitched. A few small holes in the pink silk, some loose appliqué cording, and one missing back popper. All details visible in the photos.

Tunic Measurements (laid flat):

• Underarm to underarm: 25 in / 63.5 cm
• Shoulders: 21 in / 53.5 cm
• Length: 29 in / 74 cm
• Sleeve length: 48 in / 122 cm

Skirt Measurements:

• Waist: 30 in / 76 cm
• Hips: 46 in / 117 cm
• Length: 32 in / 81 cm

Despite signs of wear, this remains a remarkable and collectible piece of French opera costume history—ideal for display, study, or careful restoration.

Ships internationally via insured delivery. Please reach out with any questions.