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JohnGalliano 1999 ChevronWoolFanPleat BiasCutSilk Elongated TealGreen ShiftDress

About the Item

While John Galliano was also creating his early Dior haute-couture fashion collections as its acclaimed creative director, for Fall/Winter 1999 ready-to-wear for his ongoing eponymous Paris-based fashion house, the Brit designed this teal green woven-wool day-to-evening dress with a luxurious bias-cut satin silk underlay and couture-like finishing. Evidenced by this dress, at that time Galliano was championed by the editors of U.S. Vogue as the leader of the sleek ultra-feminine trend. The influential magazine had earlier helped to establish him in Paris with a U.S. financial backer for an independent atelier and in American among high-end retailers--from where this dress was purchased by the sole owner, but never worn. Although its streamlined elegance that creates a striking silhouette has the look of a conservative linear dress designed by Christian Dior himself, this elongated sheath has multiple elements that are distinctive of the English designer, who was the first from the U.K. to head a French haute-couture house. The midi-length dress features a fanned kick-pleat in back that flares into zig-zag lines at the center-seam, while the chevron weave repeats these arrow shapes. The attached silk lining is masterfully cut on a bias to swing freely and constructed with a rear waistline that drops to a point like a chevron, which is echoed by the wool exterior that is otherwise shaped by princess seams, tucks, and waist darts. The strap-like narrow shoulder-seams of the sleeveless almost boat-neck dress add other linear aspects to the bodice. Lastly, the fine tailoring is evidenced by the double stitching and the almost-reversible dress that is revealed when examining the shiny interior (a photo where the brand label is visible shows the dress turned inside out on a hanger). The "Made In France" dress retains labels include the post-1993 burgundy-and-blue brand tag "John Galliano Paris" and an origin/materials/size tag. It will best suit a curvy figure with a slim waist that is either a US-size 8 or a long-waisted or tall 6. The dress invisibly zips on one side with hook-and-eye fastening under the arm. Notably by 1999, Galliano had already won several British Designer of the Year awards from the British Fashion Awards. In 1997, he received the honor of International Designer of the Year from the Council of Fashion Designers of America, when Galliano was heading Dior after debuting his first haute-couture collection at Givenchy the year prior.
  • Designer:
  • Brand:
  • Dimensions:
    Length: 43 in (109.22 cm)Marked Size: 40 (EU)Bust: 36 in (91.44 cm)Waist: 29 in (73.66 cm)Hip: 38 in (96.52 cm)Shoulder to Hem: 41.5 in (105.41 cm)
  • Style:
    1990s (Of the Period)
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Chicago, IL
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU3244220335592
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