This is an incredible dress set with all three original pieces that would be from when Marc Bohan was head of the Dior atelier. It is a beautiful and early example of the work being produced by Christian Dior in this time period. This is the Christian Dior - London label and is considered to be demi-couture from this time period of Dior's history and this set in particular is numbered. These where made for the London market based on the runway designs and with many of the same high standard finishes that Haute Couture pieces incorporated. The line was created and designed by Jorn Langberg, Artistic Director of Christian Dior London. We were able to date this gorgeous set by the photo that appears in the November 1968 issue of Vogue. It is exceptional and the textile it is made from is one of the best I have seen from Dior. 

The fabric on this Dior set is jaw dropping. It is a woven gold silk lame brocade with a raised design that gives it remarkable texture. Depending on how the light hits it different aspects of the pattern come to play. It is just incredible. It is made from real metal thread and when you touch it it has a slightly metal feel to it. All three original pieces to the set are present. The very inner layer is a skirt that is suspended from a sleeveless top made out of lining fabric. This is a technique that you no longer see done because of the extra fabric it used and longer zipper requirements but it was the proper way to have a skirt hang perfectly and be the most comfortable for the wearer. Over this is a sleeveless shell that opens up completely down the back with a zipper. It is cut to perfectly fall just over where the skirt underneath begins. It is cut with the slightest of curving in at the waist and each side is notched. Over both of these sits a box cut jacket with glove length sleeves and a simple collarless cut. The jacket is cut on the generous side purposefully. That full shape on the top and more fitted skirt underneath is so representative of this time period and when done by the hands of a genius like Dior, still feels timeless and fresh. The entire set glows like burnished metal and the fabric is unbelievable in person. The photos don't come close to doing it full justice. It is a exceptional piece. Excellent condition with a few small items to note below.

The skirt and top are both interlined in a brown silk organza. The jacket is lined in a brown silk crepe. The inner dress/skirt and the top both closs with a back painted metal zipper. The jacket has no closures. The jacket and shell both have weighted hems. Ribbon edged finishes and hand finished throughout. The inner dress's has been let out and you can see where this was done down the side and along the darts. The silk lining in the shell is beginning to shatter in places. Slight fraying to some edges. All very minor in person and do not detract. Please see the photos after the label shot. The jacket is meant to be worn over-sized.

Inner Dress
Bust: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 19" from waist to hem

Shell
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 23" from neck to hem

Jacket
Sleeves: 19"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 25" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD1696

Reference Photos: (1) Photographed by Arnaud de Rosnay, Vogue US, November 1968 / (2-3) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon

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

John Galliano was moved over from Givenchy to Dior in October of 1996 and stayed there until he was dismissed in February of 2011. The collection from about 2000 to 2011 are covered in full but the ones prior to that are harder to find the full information on. I believe this is a piece from around the time he switched over. During John Galliano's years at the house of Dior he arguably produced some of the most amazing bias cut gowns in the house's history. His work often hails back to the decadence and abandonment of the twenties and thirties in terms of their cut.  

This dress is beautiful. I love the soft tones and combination of yellows that have been used. It is made out of a bias cut silk chiffon whose pattern is a mix of a lemon yellow, a pale mint and deeper tangerine colour, all complimented with with pops of black and white. The design is laid out in a graphic chevron pattern that covers the entire dress. The dress is cut on the bias so that it skims over the body. The neckline is scooped at both the front and the back and the dress is suspended from wider cut straps that curve over each shoulder. There is no seam at the waist, instead it just drapes over the bodice and then falls to the hips. This gives is a very twenties feel. The skirt adds to this twenties feel with how it is set into the body of the dress. Panels of silk chiffon have been set with the pattern going a different way from the torso of the dress. It is sewn in with a series of points around the hips. This causes the skirt to have a lot of movement and it has a floating feel to it as you move around in it. To close the dress there is a tightly spaced row of his signature silk covered buttons and loops that run down one side of the dress. It is very light in weight and stunning on. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a bias cut off-white silk crepe. It closes with the series of buttons and fabric loops that run down the side. It appears to have been worn very little it at all. The bias cut should it to work on a range of sizes. The length does come up a bit once since it is cut on the bias.

Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2437

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

The twin of this set walked the runway for the Fall 1977 Christian Dior Haute Couture collection. It was also used in a Vogue editorial and photoed by Roland Bianchini that season. In the 'Dior Catwalk' book, journalist Alexander Fury references this suit specifically in his write up for that season saying; "The designers autumn/winter collections proposed a series of equally glamorous ensembles, including the 'white silk jacquard pants suit with the white fox, white pearls and bareness underneath - a soft white camisole' that Vogue predicted would be the 'sure fire' bestseller that season. Trouser suit aficionado Bianca Jagger was in the audience and 'said she loved everything''. It is exceptional and a wonderful example of the work that Marc Bohan was doing for the house during this time period.

The set is made from a beautiful ivory colored silk that has a secondary pattern woven through it. That pattern is made up of little abstract shapes and I love that every once in a while one of the shapes in that design look like a little heart. The pants are cut with a straight leg so that they have a soft flow to them. Pockets lie along the seams on each hip. The jacket is a simple, almost box cut that ends just at the hip to perfectly balance the line of the pants. It can be worn open like it was shown on the runway or fully closed. I love the clear lucite buttons with their little silver capped tops that run down the front. They are the only embellishment on the piece and give it a subtle bit of glitz. On the front of the jacket there are three top set pockets for detailing. Each sleeve buttons to close and on the runway these were left open and flipped back for an easy feel. This is a true piece of fashion history and an amazing example of Bohan's work during this time period. It is even better in person. All proper Haute Couture labels present. Excellent condition with some small notes to review below.

Both pieces are fully lined. The jacket in a rich cream silk satin and the pants are lined in a slightly lighter version of the same silk. The set is entirely made by hand. The jacket buttons to close and pants close with a front painted metal zipper and hook & eye at the waist. Pockets on the jacket and pants. The pants have a slight line of a yellow mark at the lower front right leg near the hem. The jacket shows slight discoloration under the arms on the inside lining that does not go through. There is the very slightest darkening to the edge of the collar. All minor and it presents as excellent. Please see the photos provided after the label shot

Jacket
Sleeves: 21"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 23.5" from neck to hem

Pants
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 41" from waist to hem with 2.25" turned under the hems
Inseam: 30.5"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Reference Photos: (1) Christian Dior A/W Haute Couture 1977 Runway Show.  /  (2)  Christian Dior A/W Haute Couture 1977 Runway Show from the book "Dior Catwalk: The Complete Collections".  /  (3) Photo by Albert Watson, Vogue, October 1977.  /  (4) Photo by Roland Bianchini, Dior, 1977.

Item# DD2793

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

This dress and coat set is extraordinary. After much research I have dated it to the mid-fifties while Christian Dior still presided over the house. You can see a striking similarity to the color and print in the examples shown here from the Haute Couture collections between 1954 and 1956. The label is the Modele Original label that was done one a custom order / custom made basis. The designs were based on the Haute Couture presentation from that season and then special ordered through the London store by clients. The work was considered to be demi-couture. It is not unusual to see variations and small changes from the runway line in these while still retaining the same color and line references found in the Couture examples.

Both the coat and dress are numbered and entirely hand finished and extremely well made. The silk used is very fine with a soft washed floral print screen onto the entire surface of both pieces. The dress is backed in a feather light silk organza while the coat is a double layer of the silk with the organza lining only found in the sleeves. Both pieces are so light that each of the two pieces have hand placed weighted hems in their interiors so that they fall and stay perfectly in place. The seaming is wonderful with the shape deliberately created through the placement of the seams. The inner dress has a voluminous cut that is wider and has more volume through the upper body and then narrows in towards the hips and hem. There is a small notched neckline anchored by a flat bow at the front and the back has a low slung flat bow and strap detailing set at the base of the small of the back. It is cut to be loose and full through the body and has an almost cocoon shape to it. The coat is cut with even more volume. These exaggerated lines and shapes perfectly showcase the feel of that era and would have been cutting edge then and still feel avant garde now. The evening coat is collarless and cut to sit almost off of the shoulders. On an actual body it has an almost slouched feel and the back puffs out tremendously in a beautiful curving swoop. The seams are all cut gracefully on a curve and the sleeves are to the elbow and wide. It is wonderful. Excellent condition with minor notes to review below

Both pieces are lined in hand set silk, the dress in an organza and the coat in the same silk as the exterior and silk organza through the sleeves. The dress closes at the back with a series of hook & eye and snaps at the back and a low set zipper under that. The coat has no closures. Hand placed weights in both pieces. Slight stress points at the corner of the lining under each arm. Please review the photos after the label shot. The dress is numbered 19013 and the coat 19012.

These were made to be worn over-sized. The hips on the dress do narrow down and there is no give there. The generous proportions should allow it to fit a range of sizes.

Jacket
Sleeves: 12.5"
Shoulders: 23"
Bust: 25.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 25.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 25.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40.5" from neck to hem

Dress
Bust: 22.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 41.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD2674

Reference Photos: (1) Dovima in Dior, 1956. Photo by Henry Clarke.  /  (2) Dior Afternoon ensemble, 1954 from the Chicago History Museum Collection.  /  (3-5) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

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

This extraordinary dress by Marc Bohan for Dior is very well documented. A version walked the catwalk that season worn by none other than Ines de la Fressange and it was also photoed for the August issue of L'Officiel.

The dress is made from a pale silver grey silk taffeta. This fabric choice allows it to keep its bold silhouette and hold the shape that you see on my photos and the reference photos. This is the kind of dress that you can see just how much of an influence this shape is still having on our current catwalks. I feel that I have seen all the elements of the dress re-done in one way or another over the last few seasons. The shoulders and sleeves are particularly wonderful. They are cut on a slight curve to follow the shape of the arm. Pleats are set all around the shoulder to give them the height and volume that you see. They then narrow down to the wrists. You can see the Victorian era influence on this dress but it still feels fresh and modern. The neckline is high and buttons at the back and the bodice skims over the bust to the waist. At the back there is an open slit that runs all the way from the buttons at the neck to the waist. This sexy little flash of skin is unexpected and I love the contrast this detail has with the high level of coverage the dress has everywhere else. The waist is seamed and the dress has its original wide matching sash in the same silk that you can tie and cinch in the waist even more. I have tied it at the back in the same large bow in the way it was shown in the editorial photo. The skirt skims over the hips to the floor. On either side of the waist a large ruffle starts to form and this curves over the hips and then towards the back where it creates a gorgeous trained effect. A small ruffle peeks out from under there and finishes the front hem. It is gorgeous and I love when a piece is this well documented. Excellent condition with a minor note below

Unlined and closes at the back with a zipper set at the waist and silk covered buttons and loops at the back of the neck. A silk covered button and loop at each wrist. The matching sash is original. Note that it was a little small on the mannequin in the waist area and the opening is not that wide at the lower back when it is on a girl that it fits properly. There are some watermarks on the hem. Please see the photo after the label shot and before the reference photos.

Sleeves: 27"
Shoulders: no true shoulder seams
Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to front hem, 46" to back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS

Item# DD3406

Reference Photos: (1) Ines de la Fressange for Dior /  (2) Model in Christian Dior, L'Officiel, August 1981. Photographed by J-F du Sel des Monts.

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

This coat is an early example of Christian Dior's work and I love its simplicity. It has the Christian Dior Original, New York label. This label would be considered to be demi-couture from this time period of Dior's history. Pieces with this label where made for the American market to sell in the New York Salon. They were based on the runway designs and were constructed with the same high standard finishes that the true Haute Couture pieces incorporated. It is very well made and even better in person.

This coat is in exceptional condition and it looks like it was never been worn, or worn very little. It is cut with the volume and curves that defined the era. It is a wonderful example of the work Dior was doing in this time period and why they had such an influence in establishing the direction of design during this era. The lines of the coat are very simple. There is the very minimal amount of seaming done to achieve the shape that you see. It almost has a slouchy robe feel to it with a angle shaped collar that sits above the large buttons that run down the front. The shoulders are cut so that the curve and drop. The sleeves extend from there and are cut to just past the elbow. Through the body it is cut with a full curve that narrows slightly into the hem. I love the large front pockets that are top set and sit on each hip. The fabric is a highly textured matte silk or silk and wool mix that is unusual and quite charming. Inside there is a woven silk lining that has the look of the type of silk that would normally be used in men's suiting. It feels very modern and is pristine. It looks like it just stepped out of the showroom of the atelier. Excellent condition

Lined in a hand set black textured silk. It buttons to close at the front and has pockets on each hips with each pocket is lined in silk. The buttons have proper finished buttonholes. Hand finishes. The cut is meant to sit oversized and will fit a variety of sizes.

Sleeves: 16" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 22.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 42" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# C435

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

Yves Saint Laurent only created six Haute Couture collections for the House of Dior which makes the few garments found from those collections very special. The Fall 1958 season was his second collection for the house and this collection was presented to Princess Margaret and guests at Blenheim Palace. This coat is  from that season and is exceptionally well documented. It was the piece from the show that was used in the ad campaign that season and it also appears in the book 'Dior: Yves Saint Laurent 1958-1960' one of a series of books celebrating the houses 70th anniversary. The design of the coat builds on the Trapeze line of his first collection for Dior. In the book it is noted as being a ‘Courbe line’ or curved line design. It is extraordinarily beautiful and a true piece of fashion history.

The coat is made from a navy blue silk satin and is cut with the volume that Yves brought to the collection that season. This would have be considered to have been a ‘Petite Theatre’, or more formal evening coat, during this time period. A neat rounded collar wraps in a curve around the neck and closes just off to the side to sit perfectly above the row of buttons that run down that side. Those buttons are one half of the double row of large silk covered buttons that finish the front of the coat. Under each is a perfectly made button hole and all the work is done by hand. Vertical seams run down each side of the buttons and are gracefully set on a slight curve. Pockets are hidden along their curve so that their lines seem unbroken. The back has more volume then the front and this fullness is created by an inverted pleat that opens from just under the back collar and extends down to the hem, opening as it goes. From the side, this treatment almost gives it a caped back feel. The silk used is of the highest possible quality and there is an almost sensual sensation when wearing the coat. It appears to have bee worn very little and is in outstanding condition. The original, numbered Haute Couture label is present and the coat is made entirely by hand to the standards demanded of Haute Couture. This is an exquisite example of Yves work during his early years at Dior and an outstanding piece of Haute Couture from one of the most important houses of our modern era. Excellent condition

Fully lined in hand set blue silk. It buttons to close at the front with silk covered buttons and has two hooks inside to secure in place. Hand done, proper button holes. Pockets are hidden at each hip along the seams. The coat looks to have been worn very little if it all. The coat is meant to fit slightly oversized so should fit a variety of sizes. It's Haute Couture tag is present, numbered and the coat is of course made to Haute Couture standards

Sleeves: 16"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: open
Waist: open
Hips: open
Length: 38.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# C434

Reference Photos: (1) Christian Dior ad, 1958.  /  (2-3) "Dior: Yves Saint Laurent 1958-1960", pages 108-109, published by Assoulin.  /  (4-6) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon.

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

This gorgeous dress from the last years of Marc Bohan's grand career as head of Dior is from the Fall 1980 collection. In the book Dior; Catwalk, the notes on the fall collection state that the collection notes read that; "Bohan was inspired by 'Baroque fancies and pre-Raphaelite chinoiserie'." and that "the designer created 'sinuous and subble bias cut evening dresses pleated 'a la Fortuny". This dress has the added provenance of having been photoed on Michelle Monaghan before it was released from my archives.

This two piece dress from that Haute Couture collection has that pleating technique use in its constructed as mentioned above and it is very beautiful. The inner dress is a fine, almost weightless silk chiffon with a simple double layer of silk chiffon that has been used to create the bodice that skims over the torso. The waist of this inner piece is cut loose and easy for comfort. The skirt has an extraordinary three full layers of silk, layered over each other. The outer exterior layer is finely pleated in a series of perfectly done, 1/8th of an inch pleats, that circle all the way around. The edges are finished with tiniest of stitches that have all been done meticulously by hand. All of the interior work is by hand as well. Lying over this is a loose tunic feeling overlay that is made out of a fine, silk chiffon. Worked into the silk are hundreds of dots made from a feather soft silk velvet that has been fused to the base fabric. The sleeves are full and cut so that the widen out quite a bit as they near the ends. They are unlined so that you get a touch of transparency to them and the dot pattern is really highlighted. They each end in an angled V shape that pick up that same angular shaped panel that drapes down from the neckline. The neck is cut high and again this part is left unlined for just a glimpse of skin underneath. At the back is a large bow that snaps into place so that you can wear it on or off. I have shown this worn to the back but this set is so well made that you could easily turn it around and wear it to the front I think. The versatility of the two pieces is wonderful, you can wear them together or break them up and mix with other pieces. The tunic would look as equally chic over a slim black trouser and you can combine the inner piece with a sweater or other top. The tunic is just ling enough to wear on its own if you dare. Excellent condition with a minor note to review below

The inner dress is composed of two layers that are hand sewn together through the bodice and three silk layers through the skirt. It closes with a hand set side zipper with hidden snaps to cover the fabric over the zipper below the waist. There is a button at the back of the neck and an inner waist stay that hooks to close. The tunic slips on the wear with three hook & eye at the back of the neck. Lightly padded shoulders and the bow snaps into place. There has been some softening to the pleating of the skirt near the bottom. It would be possible to iron them back in with care.

Tunic
Sleeves: 25" to longest points
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Length: 39" from neck to longest point of hem

Under Dress
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1717

Reference Photos: (1) Michelle Monaghan for Rhapsody Magazine by Jane + Jane (Boondock Agency). Stylist: Amanda Lee Shirreffs, Makeup: Ann Pala, Hair: Anne Morgan, Manicurist: Leanne Colley. Click here to see this entire shoot in our lookbooks >  /  (2) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

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

The Diorling label was introduced at the Christian Dior London boutique on Conduit Street in 1968. It was meant as a ready to wear label and to appeal to his younger clientelle primarily in London. The name came from the perfume of the same moniker that launched in 1963. The line was created and designed by Jorn Langberg, Artistic Director of Christian Dior London. Pieces under this label stopped being produced in 1973. The number on the label most likely denoted a custom order. The twin of this coat was photoed for the Feb 1970 issue of Vogue. It is an important part of Dior's history and pieces are held in museums around the world.

This coat is wonderful. It is made of a woven fabric that almost has the feel of a linen type fabric. This creates the wonderful black and white check design that covers the entire coat. In person this fabric choice gives the coat a richer feel and you get more of a sense of the texture it creates. The coat is cut neat and slim with a notched collar and lean sleeve. It closes down the front with ta row of large round matte black buttons. The waist comes in slightly for definition at the front while at the back the bottom panels are more flared fora  touch of volume. I love how the fabric at the back is set in the opposite direction to highlight this slight change in design. The overall effect is simple and neat with the attention given to the cut and line, allowing that amazing fabric to take center stage. Excellent condition with a small note to review below

Fully lined in a black silk. Pockets hidden on each hip. Closes with the large buttons down the front. Finished button holes. The label is numbered 8109. It appears to have not been worn much at all but there are some small faint storage spots. They are minimal but there upon close inspection . Please review the photos after the label shot

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 39" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# C530

Reference Photo: Vogue UK, Feb 1970.

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

This is an incredible dress and jacket set that would be from when Marc Bohan was head of the Dior atelier. It is a beautiful and early example of the work being produced by Christian Dior in this time period. This is the Christian Dior - New York label and is considered to be demi-couture from this time period of Dior's history. These where made for the American market based on the runway designs and with many of the same high standard finishes that Haute Couture pieces incorporated.

This set is just spectacular. It has a simple, refined cut that is made glamorous by the wonderful fabric choice. The fabric is a beautiful wool silk that has a touch of weight to it so that the lines are perfectly held. It has a cream base with squares running over its surface. Each is a peach outline that then has a gold and peach medallion in its centers. In person the peach is brighter and better. The metallic gold lame thread is slight raised up from the fabric so it gives a touch of dimension besides the shine. These cover every square inch of the fabric. It is made of two pieces. The inner dress is a simple sheath that is cut so that is skims over the body and slightly flares out as it reaches the hem. It is sleeveless and the neckline is a simple scoop. It comes with a gold metal and rhinestone chain belt that slips through the loops that run around the low waist and then the belt hooks. The belt is real metal and has crystal detailing set along every 4 inches. I love how it ends in a gold tassel that dangels down under where it hooks. Over this is a little matching jacket that is sheer perfection in cut. It has a neat little collar and box cut. There are no closures and it is the perfect finish once it is popped over the dress. What I love about it is that when the dress is worn on its own it has that touch of a mod feel that the sixties were all about but once the jacket is on it has a very refined feel. Excellent condition with a small note below

Both pieces are lined in a heavy cream silk crepe with an additional silk chiffon interlining through the dress. The dress closes with a had set, hidden zipper at the back. The jacket slips on with no front closures. The belt hooks to close. There is a slight grubbiness to the lining of the inside back collar  of the jacket and one very minor nick out of the fabric on the jacket. Please see the photo after the label shot. . Otherwise the set appears to have been worn very little if at all. Hand finished and very well made to demi-couture standards.

Jacket
Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 19" from neck to hem

Dress
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 38" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3357

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

This might be one of the most incredible vintage hats I have ever had in the shop. This is by Christian Dior and it is absolutely wonderful and so very unique. The base is a fine ivory felted wool and the crown of the hat is high and rounded. It  then curves softly down to a small brim. Over this is a wide banding of a gold metallic mesh fabric that curves around the base of the crown. Attached to that are hundreds of hand placed white feathers. Each of these feathers has been hand dipped in gold at their edges and then they have been carefully placed atop each other. The have all been placed in the same direction so that as the thickness of them is built up they softly curl over each other. Just the work to hand dip and then select the feathers based on the right size and shape would have taken hours and hours. The hat is soft but with a shaped crown and not so soft that it is floppy. It feels very chic and modern and is a remarkable example of the work that Dior was doing in this time period. Excellent condition

A wide taupe grosgrain ribbon in the interior. 21.5" inner circumference

Item# A371

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

This is a beautiful black dress from the Christian Dior label that showcases the restraint and elegance that the best of the brand's work has always displayed. The main dress under the cape is cut in one long and lean line. This simple sheath silhouette make it feel even longer then it already is. Everything about the cut is done to lengthen the girl wearing it and give her one long and beautiful line. The inner dress has no true sleeves, instead there is a pleated overlay that is attached around the neckline and falls over the dress. There are slits open along the sides that you can slip your arm through. I am going to post some shots of this dress on my Instagram feed that will show the dress worn as shown on the dress form, belted and with my arms fully inside the overlay. Each way gives the dress a very distinctive look and feel. The panels are pleated and made of a light fine silk. This gives it a lot of movement as you move underneath. I love that the hem of the overlay is set along an angle that curves up at the center front down at the sides and back. The body of the dress follows the body underneath in a way that the fabric just skims over you from shoulder to hem. The skirt falls from there to the floor in a column with a back slit to give you ease of walking and flash a little leg. It is simple and refined and has not a single unnecessary seam. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a zipper at the back. Appears to have never been worn, or worn very little. Hand finishes. If you prefer to wear the top as a true cape over the arms, you could add hidden hooks or snaps to close the arm slits to make it more versatile. Tagged a US12, FR44

Bust: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 61" from shoulder to hem with a 23" slit up the center back from hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3298

Reference Photos: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

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

This was sold to me as a Christian Dior but I have never been able to fully verify this with 100% accuracy. It's been priced for what it is and if it does turn out to be a verifiable Dior then you have gotten an amazing bargain. Regardless of its heritage it is an incredibly striking dress.

This dress is all bombshell. It has the feel of the Old Hollywood siren to it and one could easily imagine any of the big movie starlets of the day wearing this out as part of their glamorous lives. The fabric is a deep burnished gold lame that has a stitched effect running over it that gives it a quilted 3D feel but in a very abstract kind of way as opposed to any geometric pattern you would normally see with a quilting technique applied. It is very light in weight and feels like a wisp of air once on the body. It is cut for maximum attention. The top is set with two halter triangle tops that have that wide cut to them from this era. This lets the tops of each halter sit on the outer edges of the shoulders, emphasizing the cinched in waist. On an actual body you can cinch it in even tighter to create more of an hourglass shape. It plunges down to meet the wide sash that wraps and ties around you. The back plunges in the same fashion to leave a large expanse of your back bare. The partially attached ties that wrap around the waist are very long so you can really play with how you style them. Under that the skirt falls in a narrow pencil shape with a small vent at the back to allow for walking. It's gorgeous. Excellent condition

Fully lined in black silk and closes with a painted back zipper. Partially attached ties at the waist that very ling and wrap and tie. Pockets on each hip. Hand finishes

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 20" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E669

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

This top is the last of the Haute Couture pieces that have come to me directly from the daughter of the Haute Couture client who would have ordered it from the atelier. It has not been on the market prior to this. She shopped primarily with Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Dior. The label was removed from this one by here as it showed through but we are sure it is one of those houses. This is the only piece that her mother did not document as to which house it came from. I am leaning more towards YSL as it bears a remarkable resemblance to this one, that one we previously sold from this same collection.

Regardless of which house it originated from, it is absolutely exquisite. The top is entirely hand made as the parameters of Haute Couture define. The silk chiffon used is of the finest possible grade and you can feel the difference at first touch. I love the extensive embroidery and bead work that covers the exterior. The level of workmanship is extraordinary and it is certainly the work of the Lesage ateliers. It forms an intricate pattern over the silk chiffon that completely covers the majority of the top and the sleeves. The very bottom portion of the top is left as just the silk so that it does not get ruined when you tuck it onto your skirt or trousers. At the back the zipper extends past the lower hem in the manner that Couture pieces were finished during this time period. I cannot go on enough about the fine workmanship and the time that this would have taken to create. It is an absolute work of art and a stunning example of Haute Couture during this time period. Excellent condition with one small note below

Backed in a nude silk chiffon and closes down the back with a hand set zipper that extends beyond the hem in the traditional Haute Couture manner. Entirely hand done. Note that there is a slight texture change to the silk under each arm with minor discoloration. There is no evidence of it on the exterior and it was priced with this taken into account.

It is always a privilege to have true Haute Couture pieces pass through the shop. Haute Couture is the very pinnacle of the fashion experience and I would hazard to say that vintage versions are even a little more special. You also get a lot for your money in many ways with vintage versions as the cost of current Haute Couture has skyrocketed.

Bust: 16.75" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 21.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# S876

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

This set is from the same Haute Couture collection as the linen jacket I also have listed in the shop. It is also from the same private collection coming to me from the daughter of the original Couture client. The look for the 1981 season, according to the book, 'Dior, Catwalk' was easy, flowing styles .. "the dresses often have short puffed sleeves and are scattered with cheerful motifs....Bohan has created styles that not only uphold the honor of couture but can be worn comfortably as well"

The attention to detail shown in every stitch is breathtaking. It is entirely done by hand and the silks used are of the highest possible grade and are as fine and light as a feather. The top is done in a silk chiffon that has a ribbon finish to it that adds pretty texture. It floats over the torso for an easy fit. It is unlined, which makes it semi-transparent. It has a finish of pleats that run down the front for a pretty detail. This makes the floral pattern that covers the silk even more interesting as it peaks through and over the pleats. The sleeves are short and puffed as the collection was noted as having. The skirt is a neat pencil and falls in a column of perfectly cut silk. The same pretty floral pattern is continued over the silk of the skirt and it feels just a touch deeper in tone since the fabric there is opaque. The skirt wraps over itself and hooks & snaps to close. There are even pockets on each hip. It is truly a wonderful example of Couture during this time period and when you see it in person you will be astounded at the level of craftsmanship and care put into the construction. Excellent condition with one minor note below.

The skirt wraps and hooks and snaps to close. It is hand lined in an ivory silk. The bodice is unlined and closes down the front with the buttons and then snaps nearer to the bottom. You could move the hooks and snaps at the waist of the skirt to adjust the fit a bit up or down as required. There is one very faint spot on the tip of the collar of the top. I photoed it and you can review that photo after the label shot. The color in person is a pure ivory with no yellowing to the fabric - any you see in the photos is from the lighting only. It is completely made by hand as the parameters of Haute Couture dictates. Proper Haute Couture label present in the top. Numbered 13660

Top
Slightly inset shoulders: 13.5"
Bust-Hem: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 24" from top of bodice to waist

Skirt:
Waist: 12.25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 24" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3194

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

The wonderful little piece merges a top with a jacket perfectly and is a beautiful example of Ferre's work during his time as Creative Director for Dior. The twin of this piece walked the runway and I have included the video of the piece in its debut as well as a still capturing it on the catwalk. The tag is numbered which for the boutique line label usually denotes a custom order or an order by an established client during this time period.

A cornerstone of Ferre's work was his ability to mix textures and fabrics so flawlessly that they created one seamless piece that you could not imagine being made any other way. Here he utilizes four distinct fabrications to make this gorgeous little jacket. The sleeves are cut to be very full and billow above the cuffs. On each cuff there is a filigree silver metal button, a signature of this particular collection. The sleeves are made from a fine silk organza and the execution of each is flawless. I particularly love how they are pleated across each upper shoulder. The back is a raw silk finished with a touch of sheen. The front is made of silk cord that is knotted and swirled. Finishing it off is waxed cord that is set as tassels all along the lower edge. It is remarkable, extremely well made and my client says that it was never worn. Excellent condition.

The front panels are lined in a silk chiffon and the back in a black silk. The sleeves are left unlined. It has no closures at the front. Each cuff buttons to close. The tag is numbered 49407

Sleeves: 24"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 16"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 15.5 " from neck to hem at the back, 20" at the front

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# S851

Reference Photos: From the Christian Dior S/S 1994 Runway Show Video (below).

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

This wonderful little dress and jacket set bears the Christian Dior New London label, making it a beautiful and early example of the Dior labels history. This is from the Spring of 1961, an important year in Dior's history as this would have been Marc Bohan's first collection for the house. The collection was called 'The Slim Look', and was noted as being a 'simple, young and streamlined style - his modern take on the New Look'. You can see a striking similarity to the design in the examples shown here from the Haute Couture collection from that same year. This set is from the Modele Original line which would have been custom made based on the Haute Couture presentation and special ordered through Harrods in this case. It is numbered and was made with many of the same high standard finishes that the Haute Couture pieces incorporated.

Bohan's inspiration for Spring 1961 was the 1920s. He underplayed the bust and dropped the waistline. Skirts had a slight flare and the jackets were soft and slouchy. It was a huge commercial success and a critical one as well. Here was have a set is made up of two pieces, an inner, sleeveless, dress with a soft cut jacket. Both pieces are made of a beautiful coarsely woven linen and silk mix that is just heavy enough to hold the shape but without adding any bulk or excess weight. In person the pink color is even richer and deeper then how it has photoed and is quite lovely. The cut of both pieces are wonderful. The dress is cut in a long sheath that gently flares out as it nears the hem. Slits are set on each side of the skirt so you get a bit of extra movement when you walk. It is sleeveless which is perfect for the warmer months and the waist is cut loose and easy. The front has a bibbed panel set over the inner dress. The detailing on it is remarkable - even though it is attached each of those buttons and button holes is 100% functional - though they serve no purpose in being so other then to have made the piece 100% properly. The neckline is a simple and collarless. The matching colored jacket sits over the dress and it too is kept simple but with immaculate seaming and top stitching creating the only detailing. It has no closures and is meant to sit softly on the body with little structure. It is beautiful and a remarkable example of his work during this pivotal collection for the house. Excellent overall condition with some minor notes below.

Both pieces are lined - the dress in a matching silk organza and the jacket in a hand set ivory silk. The dress closes with a back hand set painted metal zipper and the jacket has no closures. Hand finished throughout with silk covered seams in areas. The pockets on the jacket are functional. The pink color is deeper and much much better then how it photoed. Please note the following - the inner silk organza of the dress has some small tears and parts of it are missing through the upper bodice. It does not affect wearing it in anyway and rather then remove it I prefer to send as found. The jacket shows mild discoloration around the arms which does not go through - please review the photo provided after the shot of the label. There is the slightest grubbiness to the arms on the dress but very very minor and they would not photo even.

Jacket
Sleeves: 17.5"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 17"
Bust: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 20" from neck to hem

Dress
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 43" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3188

Reference Photos: (1) Model in Dior, Vogue, March 1961.  /  (2) Dior Haute Couture Presentation, Spring 1961.  /  (3) Dior 1961. Quotes from the book Dior Catwalk 

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

This dress is from the Spring 1996 collection as worn by Shalom Harlow for the runway show. It was actually the closing look of the show. Shalom also wore one for its appearance in Vogue Magazine. If that provenance was not enough, I lent this exact dress to stylist Penney Lovell who fitted it for Emily Deschanel's appearance at the 91st Academy Awards this year. Emily walked the red carpet in the dress. It is am amazing piece of fashion history and the dress is stunning.

The dress is a beautiful example of Ferre's work during his time as Creative Director for Dior. It was the highlight of the show for that season and was chosen to close the presentation. The dress is fitted through the bodice with a neckline that curves down in a slight scoop. This version as little straps that the dress is suspended from but if you prefer the strapless look of the runway you could easily tuck them in or remove them as the neckline is cut the same as the runway dress. There is now waist seam to break the line of the dress. All of the foundation work to hold the dress in place is done and hidden inside. On the exterior the dress curves down front he neckline in an unbroken line, curving in at the waist and then curving out and over the hips. Pockets sit on each hip and each is still tacked shut. The skirts flare out dramatically with a bit of a Spanish Flamenco feel and there is an elaborate set of built in underskirts to help achieve the flare and volume you see. These are made with a netted silk with lace finished edges and there are layers of the ruffles attached at the end of the inner hems. The skirt is cut shorter at the front and then flares out dramatically at the back. Emily is quite tall so on her the skirts lifted off of the ground but in a girl who is not quite as tall you would get a more trained effect. Note that the back of the dress curves around with a slight drop. On the shot of Emily from the back you can see that it is finished with a more V cut, this was a temp alter where the back was folded over and tacked as it suited Emily better that way. It was un-tacked and re-cleaned since the Oscar's and there is no evidence that it was ever down any longer other then the photo. Excellent condition 

Bust: 15.5-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 12.75" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 50" from top of bodice to front hem, 60" to the longest point of the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3155

Reference Photos: (1-4) Emily Deschanel at the 91st Academy Awards, Styled by Penny Lovell / (5) Shalom Harlow for Vogue, 1996 / (6) Dior SS 1996 Runway  /  (7) Photo by Jacques Olivar for British Vogue, 1996.

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

This exceptional dress is by Marc Bohan for Christian Dior and it is a wonderful example of his work during this time period. It is not perfect but I believe its flaws could be reinforced. Please make sure to read the entire description and review the provided photos before purchasing. Its an exceptional piece and offered at a dramatically discounted price as a result of its small flaws.

It was in the late 1960s that Bohan was doing these wonderful metallic detailed dresses for Dior and the results were stupendous. The red silk chiffon base is as light as a feather and there are literally yards and yards of fabric used to make this dress. Woven through the silk is a winding flower and vine design that is entirely made form a gold lurex thread which gives the dress its metallic finish. The gold is used from neck to hem and catches the light as you move. The neckline is high and the bodice is set above a empire waist that is detailed with a wide red silk ribbon that is attached and hooks to close at the back. This is balanced by long sleeves that has a bit of volume to it above the cuffs. The skirt is fabulous and has a tremendous amount of fabric it, falling to the floor from under the red ribbon. It also has a extremely large shawl scarf piece that is made form the same fabric and I think you could easily use some of the fabric from that to reinforce the flaws. The flaws are as follows. There is stress and small tears to the fabric at the seams under each arm and near the seams. I see some very small starts of this near the seam of the top of the shoulder. There are a couple of large areas on the fabric of the skirt that also show small tears and weakening. Please review all photos provided that are shown after the label shot and read any extra details concerning condition below. Otherwise it is in great condition and presents very well

The skirt is fully lined in a red silk with the sleeves left unlined. It closes with a back painted metal & nylon zipper and hook & eye just above the zipper of the low back. The ribbon belt hooks to close. Each sleeve buttons to close and one button is missing. Hand finishes. Please read above concerning weak areas of the fabric. There may be additional teeny tiny areas I missed. The scarf could be used to reinforce the weak areas or even to recreate and replace them as it is huge. This would easily be priced for $3500 if perfect so is a tremendous bargain for the person willing to put in a little work on it. It is sold as a final sale

Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam of inner lining
Bodice: 11" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem

Shawl: 94" x 43"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3151

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

I have held this in my archives for several years now and I think that it is a stunning example of the fur pieces being produced at this point in Dior's history. I am no expert on furs but believe this it is mink. The color is a rich deep chocolate that is so dark that at first glance it almost appears to be a black. The fur is supple and soft and very shiny. It is applied on to the coat in series of matching rectangles that each measure approx 5" x 7" and you get a bit of a border where each fur piece meets another. This gives the coat an added bit of texture and a subtle pattern. It is cut in an almost trench coat style with a more structured, flared bottom to it then a soft trench would have. Big, unusual silver buttons run in a double row down the front. Slanted slit pockets sit on each hip and and it has its original matching tie belt that you can cinch to give the coat shape. The sleeves are cut straight and full and the collar is a classic notched wide collar.  It has been properly stored and cared for and appears to have been worn very little if at all. No splitting, issues or shedding. Excellent condition with a minor note below to review.

Fully lined in a black silky satin and closes with the buttons down the front and has an attached tie inside. Slip pockets on each hip and one hidden along the inside edge at the front. Matching tie belt. I see no bald spots or shedding, the pelts are supple, soft and shiny. there is slight wear at some of the common points - edges of the sleeves. the inner edge, but it is very minor. For a vintage fur from such an important designer, I still rate this as near excellent. The fur has no odd odor, is still supple and is stable with no signs of excessive shedding that would indicate that it is breaking down. 

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15.5"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 44" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C484

I have a small collection of historically important, key designer labelled vintage furs, fur trimmed & feather pieces stored away in my archives that I will be slowly posting on the site over the next couple of years until I have none left. I will no longer be buying furs for the shop moving forward and have not purchased anything for several years now. I feel like times have changed and while there still is a place for vintage furs for some, including collectors and historians, many modern girls are choosing other options. Many of the pieces in my collection are representative of the designer during a set time period in history that was different then our modern outlook. I have decided that the best course to handle this controversial issue is to let the pieces I have go rather then sit in a cold storage unit. All fur coats, fur trimmed & feather pieces are final sale

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

On June 15, 1978 Lisa Najeeb Halaby wed King Hussein wed and she became the Queen of Jordan. She chose a Christian Dior gown, designed by Marc Bohan, for the ceremony and instantly became a style icon. Harper's Bazaar named the gown one of their 'The Most Iconic Royal Wedding Gowns of All Time'. That same year my client commissioned this version of that dress. I have also included a reference photo from the Metropolitan Museum of a top from the same collection that year that also has the open cut work 'ladder' technique. Charlotte Rampling was also photoed in a version for Vogue. The dress for sale today comes direct from the daughter of the original Haute Couture client who had it commissioned.

The attention to detail shown in every hand done stitch is breathtaking. It is entirely done by hand and the silk chiffon is of the highest possible grade and as fine and light as a feather. The top floats over the torso for an easy fit and is left unlined, which makes it semi-transparent. There is a double row of that open 'ladder' stitch edging the top portion of the bodice. The skirt falls in a column of bias cut silk chiffon. Detailing the lower half of the skirt are six rows of that same open ladder design that is used on the bodice so that it is in perfect balance. It comes with the original flower belt. The belt combines an antique gold metal thread lame that is then detailed with a huge silk flower. You can wear around the waist as intended or even choose to wear at the neck or as a head piece. I also photoed it without the belt so that you can see how versatile it could be. There is also a square silk chiffon scarf that came with it that is not photoed but will be sent with the gown. It is truly a wonderful dress and when you see it in person you will be astounded at the level of craftsmanship and care put into the construction. A masterpiece and fit for a modern day queen. Excellent condition.

The skirt is lined in second layer of the same silk used on the exterior while the bodice is unlined. It is completely made by hand as the parameters of Haute Couture dictates. It closes with a handset, low side painted metal zip below the waist and and above that the bodice closes with a series of hand set, silk covered snaps. Inner waist stay the hooks to close. Note there is no label but it is true Haute Couture Dior. Note the color has a slight hint of terra cotta to it in person

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 18" from shoulder to waist but drapes to approx 15" when on
Skirt: 39.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2365

Reference Photos: (1-2) Queen Noor in a Christian Dior Gown & King Hussain of Jordan on their wedding day, 1978 (credits unknown)  /  (3-4) Graco of Monaco in Yellow Christian Dior for the wedding mass of Caroline of Monaco, 1978.  /  (5) Princess Caroline of Monaco and Philippe Junot civil wedding, June 28,1978.  /  (6-7) Dior Evening Ensemble from The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Online Collection  /  (8) Charlotte Rampling in Dior, March 1978, Vogue US. Photo by Helmut Newton.

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

The notes for the 1972 collection in the book 'Dior, The Catwalk' state that The New York Times declared Bohan's collection for Dior as 'the best of the season in Paris'  that year. The same notes on to say that the full records for Bohan's collection did not survive the passages of time. Having a dress from this collection that is so very well documented is that much more special as a result. The dress is exceptional.

The caption on the photo of Vogue editorial that I have included here says it best: "Pretty. That's really the word for it - the softness of everything at Dior. So feminine at night especially...The flirt of the sleeves on a short dress for evening...black mousseline, covered at the neck and yet...revealing lots of skin beneath and lots of leg below". Of course on this version, the dress has a crossed over V neck that I prefer to the higher tied neckline. A Haute Couture client would have ordered the dress in a variation that suited them best and often a change like this would not be allowed to be repeated. This design also allows the unusual sleeves to really be showcased and become the highlight of the dress. Each sleeve is semi-sheer to the elbow and is full and poufed underneath until the cuff cinched it in at the wrist. Lying over the lower portion of the sleeve is a circle of silk that that circles around each sleeve and lies over the lower half of the sleeve. It is a very unusual treatment to the sleeves and instantly catches the eye. You can see why it would have been pulled to be used for editorials that season. The skirt is full and has two soft and floating layers of black silk chiffon over a slimmer  inner skirt. The shape this creates mimics the detailing on the sleeve perfectly. The back is left entirely transparent for an unexpected touch of sensuality. Dated and numbered with it Dior Haute Couture label. This is a rare piece of fashion history. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a nude silk chiffon except for the sleeves and upper back above the waist. The back closes with a low set, fine metal zipper and then the dress snaps to close with a series of tiny snaps up the back of the dress that run over the zipper, past the waist to the neck. Each cuff buttons to close. Entirely made by hand. The Haute Couture label is present and the dress is numbered 01340

Sleeves: 27" (poufs up when on)
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 24" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3031

Reference Photos: (1) Karen Graham in a chiffon dress by Marc Bohan for Dior, Autumn/Winter Collection 1972, photo by Richard Avedon, July 1972.  /  (2) Dior dress in Vogue, September 1972.

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

This dress is one of those amazing little black dresses that have just enough 'pop' to be the perfect evening piece without ever being too over the top. This is from is from Marc Bohan reign over the house of for Dior and it is a stunning example of his work during this time period. The dress is made from a black silk crepe and the cut is a play on a classic tuxedo. The neckline is cut into a low square and the reference to an evening tuxedo is done with the double row of hand covered buttons that run down the front. An simple black belt in the same fabric is attached around the waist. The skirt below that falls in a simple and slim pencil silhouette. The effect is very chic and simple. Along the neckline are rows of glittering crystal rhinestones that are set in a double band. These follow the edge of the front and back and then curve up and over each shoulder strap. They glitter like diamonds in real life and have far more of an impact then how they photographed. This is demi-couture and the Dior label is numbered, meaning that it was most likely a custom order through the boutique rather then an order place through the Paris atelier. It is a beautiful. Excellent condition.

Fully interlined in a black silk and closes with a fine back painted metal zipper. All the inner edges are ribbon finished and hand done. Constructed to demi-couture standards. The buttonholes are properly made but the buttons are decorative only and the front does not undo. The belt is attached around the waist with hidden snaps and has a slip buckle front. There is a tiny amount of minuscule snagging tot he fabric here and there. It does not detract but is mentioned for accuracy.

Bust: to 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder strap to waist
Skirt: 23" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2702

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

This exceptional silk halter dress with its matching blouse 'jacket' is by Marc Bohan for Christian Dior and it is a wonderful example of his work during this time period. I found an example with a similar feel from the 1976 collection and am sure that this would be from that same collection or within a season or two of it. The extra label example reference I have provided , taken from the book Dior by Assoulin, is to show that this label, with slight variations as time passed, was being used as an alternative to special order, or custom couture items from the period of the house that dated from the late 1960s to the mid-late seventies.

The silk chiffon that has been used to construct this dress is especially fine. It is a pale, very light yellow, that has fine gold stripes running vertically down both the dress and top. The gold lurex thread is woven through that silk and this gives the dress a subtle metallic finish. The vertical lines are used to highlight the cut of the dress and I love the way that they catch the light as you move for the subtlest of glimmers. The neckline is a cut halter style with a strap running up around the back of the neck. The bodice plunges into a V and the fabric wraps around your upper waist but still leaves most of the back completely bare. From the waist to mid hip the skirt hugs the body and then opens out by using wide, flat pleats. It is on these pleats that you see the care a couture piece is given. Here the gold stripes are placed so that they each still perfectly lines up across the top of each of the two inch pleats so the pattern is unbroken to the eye and the volume seemingly happens by magic when you move. The dress has its original matching top that blouses over the dress when on. It buttons to close down the front below the soft silk attached tie at the neck. Matching fabric ties run through the waist and each sleeve so you can cinch them and have it blouse and pouf, or wear them loose and open for a more relaxed feel. The dress is gorgeous and even better in person. Excellent condition.

The dress is fully lined in a pale yellow silk taffeta and the top is unlined. The dress closes with a back painted metal couture zipper and buttons at the neck. Inner waist stay hooks to close. The top buttons to close and the sleeves and waist has ties that run through to cinch. Light boning through the bodice. Hand finished through out, hand finished selvages. Silk covered buttons. Since it does not have the formal couture label I am categorizing this as demi-couture, but strongly suspect it was special order from the couture atelier.

Dress
Bust: approx 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner lining hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 15" from top of neck straps to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to hem

Top
Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam with ties to adjust in
Length: 18" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2986

Reference Photo: Christian Dior ensemble, photo by Michel Picard, L'Officiel (n. 626), 1976.

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

A similar dress in yellow was photoed in 1965 and the dress with its beautiful, almost iridescent peach is even prettier in my opinion. Marc Bohan was only a couple of years into his tenure as head of Dior and the 1965 collection was a study in line and cut. He designed a gown called the "Eloise" that year that has a similar cut and apron technique used in the skirt, it is the obvious that this dress is descended from that. I have included photos of both dresses as reference.

The first thing about this dress that you are drawn to is the color. It is an amazing shade of peach and the camera does not quite capture the slightly iridescent quality that the silk adds to its impact. In person it is gorgeous and the color is richer and has more depth. The dress is immaculately constructed. For example, the edge of each inner seam is painstakingly wrapped in a thin banding of silk chiffon. The work to do this with such a finicky fabric would have taken hours to complete just this one detail and it is a detail that is unseen. The dress has a almost sculptural feel to its shape. The bodice is sleeveless and has a softly scooped neck. It is cut and fitted to skim over the body by perfectly placed seaming. The skirt is deceptive as it appears to be a simple cut but it is actually constructed in layers.  There is an inner fitted skirt that has two slit pockets that sit on each hip. Over this inner layer are two attached panels, one that sits over the front of the skirt and the other that sits over the back. The best way to describe it is like an attached apron that leaves the sides open on either side to see the inner skirt. It is exquisite. Excellent condition with a note to review below concerning the inner lining.

The dress is fully lined in a white silk chiffon on both the inner dress and under the skirt overlays. The inner silk bodice is lined in a silk crepe. It closes at the back with a painted metal, hand set zipper. There is a second hand set 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. Some of the inner lining is splitting horizontally here and there as the fabric used was so fine and delicate. I have chose to leave it as found rather then having it removed. It is all original and is stable and wearable as is and of course you do not see the lining when it is on. It appears to have not been worn or worn very little otherwise. The label is numbered denoting its demi-couture status.

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

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD953

Reference photo: (1) Marc Bohan for Christian Dior, 1965.  /  (2-3) from the book Dior, Marc Bohan 1961-1989 by Assouline.

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

This Haute Couture dress by Marc Bohan for Christian Dior is wonderful. The attention to detail shown in every stitch is breathtaking and to the highest standards. A longer version with a less detailed pleat insert technique is held in the archives of The Metropolitan Museum but I prefer this version. It would have been made entirely by hand in the Dior atelier. The silk used is of the highest possible grade and the gives the dress its beautiful drape and fall. The top is cut into a V that tops a wide fitted banding through the waist. Each sleeves is cut so that it puffs above the fitted cuffs. A thin band of matching fabric is used as a tie at the waist for a romantic and whimsical  touch. The skirt is a masterpiece of pleat work. Each individual pleat is perfectly matched to its neighbor and inset on a series of angles around the waist. Each of those angles lines up with the one beside it causing the pleats to lie flat until you move. It is truly a brilliantly cut dress. Excellent overall condition with some small note in the condition report below to review.

Fully lined in a matching silk and is completely made by hand as the parameters of Haute Couture dictates. It closes with a back, handset painted metal zip. The cuffs button with round polished quartz buttons. There is one small dark spot on the back of one elbow and a soft discoloration on the back of one sleeve near the cuff. One button missing from one cuff. The tie belt was originally stitched to the dress and there is the slightest of marks on the fabric at the front waist and to the end of the belt on one side. Haute Couture number 003272. Note that in person the color is deeper in tone and even better then how it photoed.

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 9" from neck to seam under the bust
Waist detailing: approx 6"
Skirt: approx 25" from higher points of the waist detailing to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2037

Reference Photos: (1) Christian Dior Runway, 1973.  /  (2) From the MET Collection.

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

This is an exceptionally pretty two piece set by Marc Bohan for Christian Dior and it is a stunning example of his work during this time period. Both the top and skirt are made from a fine silk that is a pretty combination of a black base with bright pops of color in that floral design design. The label on the set is numbered and on a Boutique label that most often meant a special or custom made order for a client, hence the demi-couture categorization. The fine construction and hand finishes throughout backs this up. The neckline of the top is finished with a soft ruffle that circle the entire neck. The cut through the bodice is loose and easy and the waist is set with an elastic over a flounced hem. The sleeves are soft and each has a elastic at the wrist and a flounced cuff that picks up the collar and hip detailing. The skirt is a marvel of simplicity and is cut in a simple column of silk to the floor. The interest comes from the play on the print - the top is densely covered with a spray of flowers and the skirt has a more scattering of the print giving a beautiful contrast when the pieces are worn together. It is a beautiful and dramatic piece of vintage couture. Excellent condition.

The skirt is fully lined in a black silk chiffon and the top is unlined. The top closes with a fine back painted metal zipper. The waist of the top and each sleeve has elastic. The skirt closes with a combination of a flat hook at the waist band and a fine painted metal zipper. Hand finished and the tag is numbered 1361/001 on both tags.

Top
Sleeves: 23"
Slight drop shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Elastic waist: 12" -15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 15" from neck to waist seam, + 6" from waist to bottom hem

Skirt:
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from top of bodice to waist

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2901

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

This black pleated silk chiffon Dior skirt is utterly fantastic and a true piece of Haute Couture. It comes directly from the daughter of the original owner and was purchased with many of the other couture Dior pieces I have in the shop at the moment. Her mother removed the label on this one side it showed through. It is easily identifiable as a couture piece when you see it in real like and is priced lower then it would be otherwise as a result. Haute Couture pieces are always a rare find and the beauty of this particular piece is undeniable. 

The fabric that the skirt is made out of is a fine, high end, silk chiffon. It is so hard to convey the quality and fineness of a black piece but you will have to trust me when I tell you that it is exquisite in person. Every seam and edging is completely hand done and the level of work and quality of this piece is extraordinary. The majority of the skirt is finished with a sharp edged knife pleating technique. The pleats are laid out in perfectly spaced lines, which gives it a long and lean cut when you are standing still but allows for a tremendous amount of volume and movement when you move. Under the top pleated layer is a more fitted inner layer of silk chiffon so that it is wearable and not sheer. hat said, a more fitted band circles the waist and this is done in only a single layer of silk that makes this little band of semi-transparent silk very sensual in feel. It is light as air and amazing in person. It appears to be unworn or worn very little. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a later of black silk chiffon. All the interior seams and edges are finished by hand. It closes at the side with a handset metal zipper under a panel of silk that closes over the zipper with hand set snaps. Finished to Haute Couture standards and entirely done by hand. 

Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 41" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# S728

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