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Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales
This blue cornette is made of silk damask fabric produced in a UK mill. The intricate folds are pulled back to behind the head and look almost like wings of a bird in flight. A beautiful and discreet detail is the folded triangle that would point down the nape of the neck if worn.
A cornette is a large, starched piece of white cloth that is folded to create the resemblance of horns or in French: cornes. They were originally worn by Parisian women in the 1800s and were adopted by The Dominican Sisters of Charity. In the 1960s, the habit was redesigned by Dior.
This is one of five cornettes designed by Jonathan Anderson and gifted to Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales. They are inspired by the work of Gwen John and her fascination with the costume of Catholicism. They were created especially for the Gwen John: Strange Beauties exhibition held in Cardiff in 2026. Jonathan Anderson is a Northern Irish fashion designer and the founder of the eponymous brand, JW Anderson. He was appointed Creative Director of Dior in 2025.
This blue cornette is made of silk damask fabric produced in a UK mill. The intricate folds are pulled back to behind the head and look almost like wings of a bird in flight.
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