This dress is an extraordinary Parisian made example from the early days of the house of Christian Dior and we have been fortunate to handle this same dress twice in the last 20 years. It is so well made that these examples are generally known as 'demi couture' and were made to almost the same standards as the haute couture line. Of complex construction and cut from a beautiful pink and red damask silk, with stunning bow detail at the left hip. It epitomises perfectly Dior's most celebrated silhouette, that of a nipped in waist and full hipped skirt. The bodice features a crossover front, and the fabric is draped across the back to create a layered effect. The skirt features two stiffened net tulle underskirts to create extra volume and structure. The inside of the dress is lined with a soft and delicate white silk organza, which would feel incredible on the body when worn. The dress is accessed from the side zip of the bodice and a central rear zip which also has dainty poppers to fasten the skirt portion.
The label, which is perfectly intact, reads 'Made in France, Christian Dior Paris, 2813201', and having researched numerous archives and haute couture collections, we feel it can be dated to 1956/57 - a period which oversaw the climax of Dior's career, and the production of some of his final designs.
This condition of this Dior is nothing short of extraordinary and she has been very carefully preserved. Slight adjustments appear to have been made for the comfort of the two owners over time. We note that the dress has been let out slightly at both of the side seams and we believe the exterior zip is a quality replacement - though the inner central zip is certainly the original. These alterations have been done incredibly well and all the original fabric is retained. The darts at the back, which are unseen due to the cross over bodice, have been let out slightly; the hem has also been taken up, but no area of the dress has been cut or altered permanently. All of these alterations are very easily returned to their original state if desired.
The craftsmanship and detail in this piece is truly spectacular, and it is in fabulous vintage condition, aside from the very minor alterations noted already. We found only a very small tea stain on the inside of the tulle underskirt - not visible at all when worn. She is also a very rare generous size and would fit a size 12 UK, or 8 US, with a generous seam allowance on the skirt. A professional seamstress could also take her back to her slightly smaller original size. Our model is a UK 8-10 and 5ft 11in (180cm) and this dress fit her well.
1950s Dior dresses of this magnitude and age rarely come on the market and we are not likely to see another. Although this is worthy of museum or archive acquisition and would display beautifully, the dress is incredibly wearable and can be enjoyed by a collector/wearer.
MEASUREMENTS:
BUST: 36 in. ( 88.9 cm )
WAIST: 30 in. ( 73.66 cm )
HIP: 44 in. ( 93.98 cm )
LENGTH: 37 in. (93.98 cm )
