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Pre-Fall 2011 Christian Dior by John Galliano Purple Silk Satin Open Back Sample Showroom Dress

A few months ago I had the twin of this dress in the shop and am so pleased to have found another one. This one is a slightly different size and in its original length. It is also extra special because it has its original showroom tag indicating it to be the showroom sample piece that all production pieces would have been based on.

It is the twin of the dress shot for the Christian Dior Pre-Fall 2011 collection. This collection was shot as a Lookbook which gives you an amazing glimpse into his styling process. At the time Dior said this of John's collection: ”Dior’s Fall ready-to-wear collection takes its inspiration from the legendary love affair between Mrs. Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII. English romanticism is channeled into Balmoral fringed tweeds and candy-coloured tartans with Prince of Wales checks. Ultimate luxury and expertise create evening glamour in elegant draped gowns and head to toe sequins to ensure that every head is turned.” Vogue commented that: "John Galliano galloped the Duchess of Windsor through This Is Your Life, with richly hued musings on what Wallis Simpson in her prime might've worn at specific times of day and across the decades." I love having the photo reference from that Lookbook so that you can see just how gorgeous the dress is on the body. This was John's second last collection for the house.

This is a very striking dress and I love the rich purple colour of it. The choice of that fine silk satin gives the colour even more depth. This fabric choice is also a nod to the glamorous deco gowns of the later twenties and thirties which was a key start point for this collection. The bodice skims over you with a V at the front. The waist is seamed and it is set in a slight curve for shape. The skirt falls from there in a column at the front and gently widens out as it nears the hem. The back is where you see all the extra detailing on this dress. First he scooped out the back into a low curving V and then gathered the fabric in along a curve at the base. He then added a crossed over strap to hold the dress in place. These attach on either side to create an open keyhole with the silk gathered in towards it as it runs down your back. On the skirt, a panel of fabric comes out from the base of that keyhole and cascades down to the hem. There is quite a bit of fabric there and it is creates a lovely volume at the back. The sleeves give the dress a nod to the thirties in design. They are loops of fabric that are twisted and then gathered along the tops of the shoulder. Your arm slips through and then it drapes down over the top of your arm. They are so pretty. It is a really lovely dress and a collector's piece. The dress is in its original uncut supermodel length. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with a hidden set side zipper. No size tag. Showroom sample tag. Perhaps a teeny bit of scuffing to the fabric here and there around the hem area but I am being super picky.

Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of bodice to seam at dropped waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to front hem, 46" to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4460

Reference Photo: Pre-Fall 2011 Christian Dior Lookbook.

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