Casgliadau Arlein

The fabric of this ivory cornette is folded around the head almost in a spiral to come to the front at one side. This is folded twice to create a thick edge. The end drapes down to what would be about the front of the shoulder if worn. A small stitch holds the fabric at the back left hand side.

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.

The fabric of this ivory cornette is folded around the head almost in a spiral to come to the front at one side. This is folded twice to create a thick edge. The end drapes down to what would be about the front of the shoulder if worn. A small stitch holds the fabric at the back left hand side.