Rare Fall 2011 Christian Dior by John Galliano Purple Silk Satin Open Back Dress

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

This is a very striking dress and I love the rich purple colour of it. The choice of that fine silk satin gives the colour even more depth. This fabric choice is also a nod to the glamorous deco gowns of the later twenties and thirties theme-wise for this collection. The bodice is cut to skim over you with a V at the front. The waist is seamed and it is set in a slight curve for a pretty feminine touch. The skirt falls from there in a column at the front, gently widening out as it nears the hem. The back is where you see all the extra detailing on this dress. First he scooped out the back into a V and then gathered the fabric in along a curve. He then added an extra pair of crossed straps. These attach on either side of the gathered curve and when set into place created this clever little open keyhole effect with the silk gathered in towards it as it runs down your back. A panel of fabric comes out from the base of the keyhole and cascades down the center of the back skirt to the hem. There is quite a bit of fabric in it and it is just a lovely detail. The final flourish are the sleeves which are a definite nod to the thirties in design. The are loops of fabric that are twisted and then gathered along the tops of the shoulder. Your arm slips through and then it draped over the top of your arm. They are so pretty. It is a really lovely dress and a collector's piece. The dress has been shortened at some point from its original length so it is priced lower then if it was all original. If you are taller it will fall to mid-calf or ankle depending on your height. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with a hidden set side zipper. No size tag.

Waist: 14.25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 38" from waist to front hem, 43.5 to the back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4038

Reference Photo: Fall 2011 Christian Dior Lookbook.

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