1959 Couture Christian Dior London Dress

The first thing about this dress that drops your jaw is of course the color. It is an amazing shade of peach and the camera does not quite capture how fabulous it is - it is a far richer and a more saturated peach hue in person! The label picture is closest but still does not fully capture it. There is something about the simplicity and chicness of the monochrome collar and the sheen of the weighted silk that is stunning. The dress is immaculately constructed and for fans of couture the details in this one will make you weep. Each inner edge is painstakingly wrapped in a thin banding of silk chiffon - the work to do this with such a finicky fabric is almost mind-boggling! The dress is almost sculptural in shape. The bodice is sleeveless with a scooped neck and fitted to the body by perfectly placed seaming. A curved band emphasises and brings the waist in. The skirt is marvelous - there is an inner fitted skirt with two small side pockets at each hip. Over this at both the front and back are attached over skirts - panels that sit over the front and back leaving the sides open to see the inner skirt. The fabric has a sleek, rich sheen and it is all perfectly finished. I believe this is from the 1959-1960 collections - the cusp between Yves Saint Laurent and Marc Bohan according to the information I was given when I acquired it some years ago. It is exquisite and a stunning, rare and early Dior!

Bust: 18.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 26" from waist to to bottom hem

The dress is fully lined in a white silk chiffon both in the inner dress and under the skirt overlay. The inner silk bodice is a silk crepe. It closes at the back with a painted metal zipper. There is a second metal zipper that closes the inner waist and bodice. Hook and eye are hidden to close the band set at the waist. All the edges of the inner seams are finished with a silk chiffon edging. Hand stitching and hand finishes. It's original Harrod's label is also present. Some of the inner lining is splitting horizontally here and there as the fabric used was so fine and delicate. I have had it secured where I can but chose to leave it in rather then having it removed altogether as it is all original and is stable and wearable as is and of course you do not see the lining when it is on. Regulars will know that I am just very picky! It appears to have not been worn or worn very little otherwise.

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML (6-8)

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival