This is an incredible dress by Marc Bohan for Christian Dior from the 1978 Fall Haute Couture collection. It is very dramatic with extra long, extended and trained sleeves. Gowns like this really define the fantasy nature of Haute Couture. It has both the dated and numbered couture label from the atelier and  the original hand written tag from Neiman Marcus where it would have been ordered through directly from the atelier in France. That tag identifies it as being Look #54 from the runway and with an original price of $7,975 which converts to $29,434.97 in modern dollars. A sum that would still be well below the price in a modern day couture garment. I have also included editorial reference photos from that year as it was widely documented

The dress is made of a vivid blue, liquid feeling silk satin, reminiscent of the silks used in the 1930s. The fabric drapes exceptionally well, feels almost weightless once on and holds the vibrancy of the color exceptionally well. The neckline is cut square and highlighted with a wide band of the same fabric that is top stitched for contrast. The dress flows from there to the floor in a bias cut column of silk with no defined waist. The sleeves are attached to the top part of the shoulder and they then drape over the arm with the inner edges left open to create a caped effect.  Little open loops lie along the edge near your hands and along the bottom. These allow you to slip a finger through to control the placement of the sleeve if you do not wish them to hang down so much. You can see that in one of the reference photos they have draped the sleeves s an option. The full length of each sleeves from the shoulder to hem is approximately 7 1/2 feet so you have a lot of fabric to play with and style. It is an incredible piece of fashion history. It present as in good condition but does have some notes below to review.

Fully lined through the body in a blue tissue silk and closes with hidden set painted metal zipper at the side and a series of hook & eye just above that. Hand finished to Haute Couture standards. The fabric shows some slight areas of fading and slight discoloration throughout and there is a small area under each arm that shows discoloration (this does not show when on because of the cut of the sleeves) and also yellowing to the fabric here and there, most noticeably at the back. I have photoed the largest area which is about 1/4 the way up the back from the hem. Some darkening/storage marks to the sleeves that are minor. Sold as found

Sleeves: 87" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 61" from waist to hem (sleeves add 28" to length)
Slit at the side: 31" from hem to top of slit

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2566

Reference Photos: (1) Dior, 1978. Photo by Patrick Bertrand. Hair by Carita.  /  (2) L'Officiel n.645, 1978. Photo by Michel Picard.

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.

The color of this Haute Couture dress by Marc Bohan for Christian Dior is striking and is the first thing you notice. It is an unusual shade and even the camera has not quite captured just how wonderful it is in person. The fabric is a silk chiffon and it has little medallions woven through the silk that I like to think are stylized four leaf clovers. It is from the Fall 1973 collection and a version of it in a different print was photoed for an editorial that year (I have included it here as reference). I think this all green version with its play on transparencies is far better then that one though. In the notes for the 1972 collection in the book "Dior, The Catwalk" it is noted that Marc Bohan focused on dots for the season. Vogue said of the collection: "Simple, very sophisticated, ultra-feminine." The perfect summary of this very dress.

It is so flattering on. The attention to detail shown in every stitch is breathtaking and to the highest standards. Being a Haute Couture piece, It would have been made entirely by hand in the Dior atelier. The silk chiffon used is of the highest possible grade and gives the dress its beautiful drape and line. The bodice is cut into a low V at the front and the waist is fitted. There are long attached ties of fabric that wrap and hook around the waist and at the front there is a soft bow of fabric. Each sleeves is cut so that it puffs above the fitted cuffs - you can really see how full they are in real life in the added editorial reference photo. The skirt is soft and there is an unexpected amount of fabric in it that give you a sleek line when you are standing and then when you move it shows how full it is. I love that only the front of the bodice is lined, this leaves the back semi-transparent for an unexpected sensuality. It is gorgeous and better in person. Excellent condition.

The front bodice and skirt are fully lined in a matching green silk and the dress is completely made by hand as the parameters of Haute Couture dictates. It closes with a back, handset painted metal zipper and there is second zipper that closes the inner skirt lining. The cuffs button with green silk covered buttons. I see one tiny repair to the fabric on the bow that wraps around the waist but you wold never see this unless you go over it meticulously. Haute Couture number 003016. Note that in person the color is even better then how it photoed.

Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner lining hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13" from top of bodice to waist + a 3" band
Skirt: 28" from bottom seam of waist band to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2883

Reference Photo: Christian Dior, 1973.

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. 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 a wonderful example of Christian Dior's work in the 1950s. Pieces with this label were made for the American market based on the Paris Haute Couture designs and were finished with many of the same standards as the Haute Couture pieces were. The Christian Dior New York label is considered to be demi-couture from this time period of Dior's history and the dress is numbered.

The color of the dress is remarkable. It is a muted shade of gold and the silk satin used seems to give it an almost glowing quality. This is of course based on the "New Look" silhouette.  The top is sculpted over the body with beautiful curving panels at the bust. These drapes and sweep over each shoulder and then down over the front and cross over each other slightly behind the first bow that sits at the front center. A flat ribbon of silk wraps around you under that bow and then the dress is fitted to the waist. The matching belt is present with the dress and this has the second bow detail. From there the skirt flares out in a full sweep in a widening cascade. The third and final bow is used to accent the slight pulling in of the volume of the skirt before the hem flares out under that in a beautiful finish. The skirt has its own built in light tulle layer and for these photos I styled it over an additional light crinoline so that you can see the beautiful and graceful shape of the skirt. This is an exceptional and beautiful example of Christian Dior's work. Excellent condition with a condition notes below to review .

Fully interlined through the skirt and the bodice with a fine silk organza and the skirt also has interlining of tulle through the to the ruffled hem. It closes with a back, painted metal zipper. The belt is original to the dress and is stamped Christian Dior. It closes with a hook closure. Note that there is one teeny pinhole on the skirt near the side seam and there are some very tiny dot marks present. All very tiny and none that detract or mar the presentation of the dress in any way but are mentioned for accuracy. The color is even better in person

Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16.5" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 28" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2559

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.

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 with vintage versions as the cost of current Haute Couture has skyrocketed.

The blouse is exquisite and of course it was made entirely by hand in the Dior atelier as the parameters of Haute Couture define. The silk is of the finest grade and you can feel the difference at first touch. The cut is simple and very chic with a wrapped front that gives you a nice plunging V. It gathers in through the waist and has a small peplum under the waistline. Each sleeve is cut long and slim with buttoned cuffs. I love the top stitching that follows the line of the from V and is picked up again on the cuffs. Lots of couture touches and just a wonderful example of the period. Note that while it presents as excellent condition when on it does have a flaw - please read condition notes below.

Unlined and wraps and closes at the front with a series of hook & eye and snaps. Each cuff buttons to close. Entirely hand done as one would expect from Haute Couture. Note that it is slightly flawed - there are "wrinkle" marks in the fabric at the fold of each arm that do not seem like they will come out - please super-size provided photos to see each arm. Presents perfectly well when on or layered under something and since it is Haute Couture I think these are forgivable. It has been priced accordingly.

Sleeves: 21"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 24" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# S797

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 become his fourth wife and Queen of Jordan. Queen Noor chose a simple silk Dior gown 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 a version of the gown made and I am very pleased to offer that same gown here. I have also sourced an example from this same collection using the open cut work "ladder" technique seen on our gown from the Metropolitan Museum's collection. This dress comes direct from the daughter of the original Haute Couture client.

The gown is amazing and the attention to detail shown in every hand done stitch is breathtaking. It is entirely done by hand, as dictated by Haute Couture standards, and the silk chiffon is of the highest possible grade and as fine and light as a feather - it literally floats around you. The top floats over the torso for an easy fit and is left unlined, making it semi-transparent and incredibly romantic and beautiful. There is a double row of open cut "ladder" stitches that suspend the silk between them. Incredibly, upon close inspection, each of those little bars are individually covered with wrapped thread. The skirt is a masterpiece of bias cut silk chiffon as it floats and cascades to the floor from the waist. As it nears the hem there are 6 full panels of fabric that overlap each other and all six incorporate that same ladder technique used on the bodice. It has its original gold metal thread lame belt with a huge silk flower that you can tie at the waist or even choose to wear at the neck or as a head piece. 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 truly fit for a modern day queen. In 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 guaranteed to be Dior. Museum quality

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

Photo Credits: Queen Noor in a Christian Dior Gown & King Hussain of Jordan on their wedding day, 1978 (credits unknown)  /  Dior Evening Ensemble from The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Online 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 wonderful suit is from the Fall 1977 Christian Dior Haute Couture collection. It is extremely well documented and was used in several editorials that season as it perfectly captured the mood of the season. It is exceptional and a wonderful example of the work that Marc Bohan was doing for the house during this time period.

Both pieces are made from a beautiful ivory colored silk that has a secondary pattern woven through it. That pattern is little abstract shapes and I love that every once in a while one of the shapes in that design look like little hearts. The pants are cut with a straight leg and the use of that silk as the fabric keeps them soft feeling. Pockets lie along the seams on each hip. The jacket is constructed in a boxed cut that falls in a slim and straight line. It ends just at the hip which gives the pants the perfect balance. 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. Three top set pockets in the same fabric add subtle detailing to the front of the jacket. It was a teeny bit small on my mannequin so on the right size girl will sit even better. In person it is even better. A true piece of history. Numbered Haute Couture. Overall 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 also a silk satin but a slightly lighter version. Both pieces are 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. There is a 2 1/4 inch hem on the pants if you needed more length. The pants have a slight line of a yellow mark at the lower front right leg near the hem (see photo). The jacket shows slight discoloration under the arms on the inside lining that does not go through. (see photo). There is the very slightest darkening to the edge of the collar. All minor and it presents as excellent.

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
Inseam: 30.5"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Reference Photos: (1) Christian Dior Haute Couture 1977 Runway Show.  /  (2) Photo by Albert Watson, Vogue, October 1977.  /  (3) 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 black pleated silk chiffon Dior skirt is utterly fantastic and a true piece of Haute Couture. I am in absolute love with it - the fabric, the design, the workmanship - everything about it is perfection. Haute Couture pieces are always a rare find and the beauty of this particular piece really makes it a once in a lifetime find. It has lost its label but is absolutely Dior and absolutely Haute Couture. It is 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.

The fabric is a fine silk chiffon in a the perfect black that will go with everything. It is so hard to convey the quality and fineness of a black piece and when you add that every seam and edging is completely hand done it is almost impossible. The person that buys this will be extremely pleased to see the level of work and quality of this piece in person. The main portion of the skirt is knife pleated 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. A more fitted band tops a semi-sheer band of chiffon at the waist, creating shape and a sensual detailing. Under the top floating pleated layer is a more fitted inner layer of silk chiffon. It is really a work of art and of course being that is is true Haute Couture makes it that much more special. Excellent, museum quality condition.

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 then modern ones. 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 then modern ones. This dress also comes direct from the daughter of the original Haute Couture client so has not been on the market prior to this.

Fully lined with all interior seams and all edges hand finished. It closes at the side with a handset, fine painted metal zip under a panel of silk that closes over most of the zipper with hand set snaps. Finished to Haute Couture standards and entirely done by hand. I have included photos of the interior work so you can see.

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.

This coat is extraordinary and is beautiful and early example of Christian Dior's work. This is the Dior Original, New York label so is what is considered to be demi-couture from this time period of Dior's history. These where made in, and for, the American market but were based on the runway designs and with many of the same high standard finishes that the true Haute Couture pieces incorporated.

The coat looks to have never been worn, or worn very little. It is cut with the volume and curves that defined the era and showcases the influence that the house of Dior had in establishing the direction of line and cut during this era. A neat small collar sits above the buttons that run down the front. The lines of the coat are simple and beautiful with a sense of austerity to the lines. It utilizes the very minimal of seaming in its design with dropped curving shoulders and arms and that fantastically full, voluminous cut through the body. I love the huge front pockets that sit on each hip at the front. The fabric is a highly textured matte wool and the textured lining feels and looks like the type of silk that would normally be used in men's suiting. It feels insanely modern and looks like it just stepped out of the showroom of the atelier. Excellent condition

Lined in 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. Appears unworn or worn very, very little

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.

This Haute Couture evening coat is extraordinary. Yves Saint Laurent did only siz Haute Couture collections for the house so pieces by him are very special and rare. Fall 1958 was his second collection for the house and was presented to Princess Margaret and guests at Blenheim Palace. This coat 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. It builds on the Trapeze line of the first collection and in the Dior book it is noted as being "Courbe line" or curved line. It is extraordinarily beautiful and a true piece of fashion history.

This "Petite Theatre" formal coat is made from a navy blue silk satin and is cut with the volume that Yves brought to the collection that season. A neat rounded collar wraps in a curve around the neck and closes just off to the side to sit perfectly above the offset closure. A double row of large silk covered buttons in the same beautiful shade of blue silk runs down the front of the coat. The vertical seams that run down each side of the buttons are cut gracefully on a slight curve and pockets are hidden along their curve. The back has a great swoop of volume and fullness created by an inverted pleat that opens from just under the collar. The coat feels like it was worn very little if at all and is in outstanding, condition. It is properly numbered with the original Haute Couture label and made entirely by hand to the standards demanded of Haute Couture. It is an exquisite example of Haute Couture from one of the most important houses of our modern era and the fact that it is so well documented only adds to its appeal. 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 (photoed). Pockets are hidden at each hip along the seams. It is in the best possible Museum level condition that it could be and looks to have been worn very little if at all. I think it is in better condition then the version photoed for the book even. The coat is meant to feel slightly oversized so will fit a variety of sizes.

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.  /  (4-5) 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 #1958 "Petite Theatre" formal coat by #dior is made from a navy blue silk satin. It is extraordinary. #yvessaintlaurent did only six #hautecouture collections for the house so pieces by him are very special and rare. Fall 1958 was his second collection and it was presented to #princessmargaret and guests at #blenheimpalace. This coat is exceptionally well documented. It was used in the ad campaign that season and it also appears in the book "Dior: Yves Saint Laurent 1958-1960" one of the series of books published by @assouline this year to celebrate @Dior’s 70th anniversary. The shape builds on the #trapeze line of his first collection and in the Dior book it is noted as being a ‘Courbe line’ coat or curved line. It is extraordinarily beautiful and a true piece of fashion history. It is amazing that a piece that is 60 years old this year can feel so fresh and relevant when paired with modern pieces by @ruslanbaginskiy_hats and @vetements_official. A testament to how good design is truly timeless. 💥💥

A post shared by Cherie Balch (@shrimptoncouture) on Feb 20, 2018 at 1:23pm PST

Take an EXTRA 20% OFF this item with code EXTRA20 at checkout!

The red and white version of this same suit appeared in a 1968 issue of L'Officiel giving us the date for this one. This suit is lovely and equally strong in black and white as it was in red and it is perhaps more versatile in this color. The base fabric is a mid-weight boucle wool with a bold herringbone design in a graphic combination of black, grey and white. The weave of the fabric becomes a design detail in itself. Edging both the jacket and skirt is a border of textured, woven fabric in black. This anchors both the pieces and defines the design . The jacket has a boxed cut and closes down the front with hidden snaps that sit behind the decorative buttons you see. I love the black edging that runs down the front and around the collar and finishes both sleeves and tops the pockets. The skirt is a simple pencil with a slight A-line as it nears the hem. It too has that black treatment all around the hem and this cleverly ties it into the jacket. Very chic and with just a touch of drama in feel. Excellent condition

Both pieces are fully lined in a taupe silk crepe that is hand set The skirt also is interlined in a white silk organza . The skirt closes with a zipper and hook & eye at the waist. The jacket snaps to close. The pockets are functional and silk lined. Hand finished throughout and made to demi-couture standarss

Jacket
Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 20" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 23.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2698

Reference Photo: Christian Dior Suit as seen in L'Officiel, 1968.

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 in a rich raspberry print silk is extraordinary. After much research I believe it to be from 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 1965. This set is from the Modele Original line which would have been custom made based on the Haute Couture presentation and special ordered through the London store. It is not unusual to see variations and small changes from the runway line in these while still retaining color and line references to the Couture examples.

Both the coat and dress are numbered and entirely hand finished and extremely well made. The inner dress is a voluminous, shift cut and it is a larger size which is very unusual to find. The silk is very fine and it is backed with a silk organza. The coat is a double layer of this same silk with the organza lining only the sleeves. Both pieces are so light that each of the two pieces have weighted hems so that they fall perfectly in place. The seaming is wonderful with the shape deliberately created through the placement of the seams. On the dress there is a small notched neckline anchored by a flat bow at the front and the back has a low slung flat bow at the base of the small of the back. It is cut to be unfitted and has an almost cocoon shape to it. The coat is cut with lots volume as well and perfectly showcases the feel of that era. It is collarless and cut to sit almost off of the shoulders. On a real girl it has an almost slouched feel to it and the back puffs out tremendously with a great swoop of volume and fullness. The seams are cut gracefully on a curve and the sleeves kept short and wide. It is wonderful! Presents as excellent condition. Please read condition notes on some small flaws

Both pieces are lined in hand set silk, the dress in an organza and the coat in the same silk as the exterior and organza in the sleeves. The dress closes at the back with a series of hook & eye and snaps at the back. The coat has no closures. There are a couple of small areas where the fabric has thinned and only the weave in one direction remains, one on the dress, one on the shoulder of the coat and one in the interior inside arm of the coat - all these tiny flaws are pictured. Otherwise in Museum quality and it is really fabulous. The dress is numbered 19013 and the coat 19012.

Note that the measurements indicate a large size but I suspect this would have been worn by a smaller girl as this was the trend of the time. Hence the MED-XL catergorization.

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: MED-XL

Item# DD2674

Reference Photos: (1) Dovima in Dior, 1956. Photo by Henry Clarke.  /  (2) Dior Afternoon ensemble, 1954 from the Chicago History Museum 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 such an amazing and sensual gown. It is Marc Bohan for Christian Dior and is a stunning example of his work during this time period. It is made of a rich, luxurious silk velvet in an inky, jet black. Velvet has made a come back the last few seasons and I for one am glad of it. The cut is simple and sleek with a halter neckline made when the fabric curves up and around the neck. At the back is a large attached bow with velvet ties that trail down the back. The back is left bare because of that same curving cut. The skirt is marvelous and cut to feel sleek and simple but add some volume and balance to the bareness of the neckline. From the waist it flows to the floor with a flaring cut. All the shape is created with masterful, curved vertical seams and inner boning through the bodice. It is fully lined in silk so feels sensual both on the outside and the interior. It is a beautiful and dramatic piece despite its simple and austere lines. Note that it is labelled as a sample and also has a numbered tag along with its original Dior label. This means that it may have been a runway sample or a sample sent to shops to preview before buying for the next season. The inner seam work appears to be all hand work but I am loathe to label this as true Haute Couture without more information, hence the demi-couture categorization. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a fine back silk and closes with a two back painted metal zipper - one on the interior corseting and one hidden set on the exterior. The back of the neck closes with hook & eye. Sample and numbered tags present. The number tag is very faint but seems to be A39839 but that is just a guess. Inner boning and shaping through the bodice.

Bust: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam with room for up to a B cup
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 57.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2658

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 am a little obsessed with this fedora by Christian Dior. It has a small, neat brim and sits at a jaunty angle once on. It is made of a felted wool and the band that circles the crown is an ultra-suede. The textures those two fabric have when combined are delicious and the colors make it the perfect chic neutral. I love love love the little "arrow" detail that give illusion of going through the hat and how each side of that detailing is anchored with a little gold piece. Trust me - you will wear this one over and over. Excellent condition

Appears unworn other then a slight patina to the gold detailing on the banding. Grosgrain ribbon edging on the interior

21" inner circumference

Item# A309

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's years at the house of Dior ended in scandal but during his tenure there he did arguably produce some of the most amazing bias cut gowns in the houses history. His work, especially the bias cut pieces have a feeling of the decadence and abandonment of the twenties and thirties and they are beautifully cut. They marry the old Hollywood feel of those past eras with the minimalist spirit of the nineties and the results are stunning. This is one such dress and it is beautiful. I love the soft colors - they are a mix of yellow, a pale mint and a pastel tangerine intercepted with black and white and laid out in a graphic chevron pattern that covers the entire dress. It is completely cut on the bias and skims and drapes over the body from the scooped neck to the lower hip. The bottom skirt in set into the body of the dress in a pointed design that both plays off the print on the silk and uses a technique derived from the twenties. The skirt itself is made of payers of silk that float and move around the girl wearing the dress to create a beautiful sense of movement. A tightly spaced row of buttons runs down the side of the dress - a signature of his and this adds to the sense of antiquity to the gown. It is very light and stunning on. It also bears the main Christian Dior label of the time so would have been considered demi-couture as opposed to the Boutique label of this time period. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a bias cut off-white silk crepe. It slips on to wear and closes with the series of buttons and fabric loops that run down the side. It appears to have never been worn. The bias cut will allow for a variety of sizes to wear the dress. Note the length does come up when on depending on the size of the girl underneath 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.

This Dior set perfectly symbolizes the lady who wore Dior but also wanted to feel glamorous and chic. The fabric is absolutely stunning and seems to glow from within. It is a woven gold thread, silk lame brocade with a raised design that gives it a remarkable texture. Depending on how the light hits it different aspects of the pattern come to play. It is just incredible. It actually has a 'metal' feel to it which tells us that it is made of real metallic thread. The set is made up of of three separate pieces. The very inner layer is a skirt that has an attached, lining weight, sleeveless top to it. This allows the skirt to fall perfectly into place. A sleeveless shell top goes over this and when worn together the two give it the appearance of a wearing a proper dress. Over both these goes a fuller box cut jacket with glove length sleeves and a simple collarless cut. This boxed full shape is so representative of this time and when done by the hands of a genius like Dior, feels timeless and fresh even now. Exceptional garment. Excellent overall condition with a few small items to note below.

The skirt and shell are lined in a silk organza and the jacket's lining is a silk crepe. The inner dress closes with a back painted metal zipper. The shell closes with a back painted metal zipper that allows the back to fully open. The jacket has no closures. The jacket and shell both have weighted hems, ribbon edged finishes and hand finishes. The inner dress's has been let out and you can see the stitch lines where this was done down the side and along the darts. You can of course not see this when it is worn. The silk lining in the shell is beginning to shatter - I have left it as is and it is wearable as it is now. The edges of the collar and hem show signs of slight fraying - this is due to the metallic thread of the fabric and is inevitable. Priced accordingly and these are all very minor in person and do not detract. Note the approx modern size given is based on the inner dress - the jacket is meant to be worn over size.

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 Photo: Photographed by Arnaud de Rosnay, Vogue US, November 1968.

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 set from the fall 2003 collection is gorgeous. This print was done in both look 21 and 22 and I from the photos I believe it to be look 22. It is done in a bright print of green with vivid pops of color. There is and nod to the East in the design elements of the pattern that covers the silk that is quite beautiful. The two piece set consists of a top that can be worn as a top or layered as a light jacket and a long skirt that has a beautiful cut bias cut and draped detailing. The top/jacket is cut to be worn loose over a tank or even just a bra and is semi-transparent. The sleeves are cut with a long and skinny feel and each has a tie that runs up its center to ruche and gather it. The front has this same gathered effect that allows you to adjust how it falls and closes with matching silk fabric covered buttons at the center chest, set so it plunges down the front. You can also leave these open and simply tie it at the base of the fabric ties that run down the front. The skirt flows to the floor with a silk satin portion that sits around the hip. Once past the hip this changes to gathered draped panels of silk chiffon that open the skirt to add an interesting volume and movement that gives a nod to the bustle. It is absolutely beautiful and unusual. Excellent condition

Sarah Mower said of the collection for her Vogue review; "Only one man on earth could possibly whip up a collection of fetish queens in Kabuki face paint, going crazy in multicolor Asian-slash-eighteenth-century clothes. Hello, John Galliano! Up to his canny method madness at Christian Dior yet again.“It was hard-core romance! Sex robots!” was the sound bite Galliano delivered backstage to describe his ready-to-wear version of the conceptual mayhem he wreaked at Dior’s couture collection in January. Back then he’d just come back from a trip to China and Japan, scandalizing many critics with the extra-outsize scale of his box-shaped, 3-D cutting experiments and mind-blowing kaleidoscope of East-West references."

The top is unlined, semi-transparent and closes with four tightly spaces, silk covered buttons at the center chest. Ruching runs through each arm and the front of the top and this can be adjusted for different effects. The skirt slips on with elastic set through the waist and is unlined.

Top
Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: approx. 14"
Bust: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 22" from shoulder to hem

Skirt
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 38.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2194

Reference Photos: Christian Dior F/W 2003 Look 21 (Model: Alyssa Sutherland) & 22 (Model: Monica)

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

In the present world of Haute Couture, a gown like this would have a starts price of well over $75,000US dollars. Considering that House of Dior is still producing Haute Couture that fact easily makes a dress like this a virtual steal. You also get the added exclusivity that automatically comes with the rarefied world of true Haute Couture and the truly limited productions of each piece. 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 then modern ones. This dress comes direct from the daughter of the original Haute Couture client and has not been on the market prior to my having it here!

The gown is amazing and the attention to detail shown in every stitch breathtaking. It is insanely sexy despite the fact that it covers you from head to toe. It is entirely done by hand and the silk chiffon is of the highest possible grade and as fine and light as a feather - it literally floats around you. It has a opening that runs down the middle front that goes right from the neck to the waist with a long tie that partially covers the opening so you get just a hint of bare skin as you move. It is so well made that I found that it worked with this opening at the front or the back and I have taken photos of it on the mannequin both ways and with different tying options. The top is cut to float over the torso and is left unlined so is semi-transparent and incredibly romantic and beautiful. Each sleeves is cut so that it puffs voluminously above the fitted cuffs. The skirt is a masterpiece of bias cut silk chiffon as it floats and cascades to the floor form the waist. It is truly a brilliant, brilliant dress and when you see it in person you will be astounded at the level of craftsmanship and care put into the construction and knocked out by its sheer beauty. A masterpiece. In excellent, museum quality condition.

The skirt is lined in a nude, high grade silk while the bodice and sleeves are unlined. It is completely made by hand as the parameters of Haute Couture dictates. It closes with a handset, side painted metal zip and part of the bodice snaps into place at the waist with a series of hand set, fabric covered snaps. Each cuffs buttons with a fabric covered button.There is the teeniest bit of fraying on one button but other wise I see no flaws. Inner waist stay the hooks to close. Haute Couture number 004087. Note that in person the color present as more pink overall then how it photoed. It is much better in person.

Sleeves: approx 24"
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: approx 15" from neck to waist
Skirt: 40" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2037

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