Hope II, Gustav Klimt, 1908

Fabric: Klimt envelops his characters in fabric and loads it up with allegorical meaning. From a distance this is Haute Couture; exclusive construction; hand executed techniques; high needlework; tailored design; unlimited budget; huge heavy material. When you get close you realise this dress sheaths a pregnant woman, whose abdomen supports at skull, whose hemline trails three women, bowing their heads in prayer. More than fabric – more like a tapestry.