Rare Fall 1981 Christian Dior by Marc Bohan Haute Couture Wool Leather & Velvet Triangle Shawl

The Shrimpton Couture Archives

  • The twin of this piece was part of the ensemble for the opening look of the Fall 1981 Haute Couture collection.
  • It was made under the creative direction of Marc Bohan.
  • This would have been completely made by hand in the Paris ateliers.
  • I love that we have runway reference photos so you can see how gorgeous this can be once paired with an amazing outfit.
  • It is meant to be worn and draped over the shoulder(s) and can be worn over both or just one. Belting it in part could completely changes the look as well.
  • It is made out of a soft and fine black wool that has a beautiful texture to it. That is very thick and soft feeling. It is not super heavy, and almost has the feel of a felted wool.
  • It is shaped in a giant triangle and that is what it allows it to fall in the two points at the front and then one long point at the back.
  • Set in about an inch from the edge is a line done in a hand embroidered red thread that follows the edge of the entire shawl.
  • Suede pieces have been added on each side of the front and then a larger pattern of suede velvet and top stitched embroidery sits across the back.
  • I love how the various sweet pieces have an embossed pattern set into them to add a little extra visual detail.
  • This is a fantastic piece of true Haute Couture and a very rare item.
  • It has its proper numbered Couture tag and appropriate typed tape ribbon underneath that tag. The piece has no closures and is meant to sit over the shoulder(s) to wear. The outer portion is a felted wool and then that is backed with a more standard wall on the inside. I see two very tiny nicks on the wool backing side. 
  • Excellent condition

Total width when laid flat end to end is 79" and from the neck to the longest point of the back it is 49"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA

Reference Photos: Fall 1981 Christian Dior Haute Couture.

All items are thoroughly checked over before shipping. Unless noted everything in our shop has been professionally cleaned. All sales are final. Overseas clients will be emailed to obtain agreement to our final sales policy before the order is shipped as per our return policy.

Setting up a layaway is super easy and we are happy to provide this service!

Here's how deposits work on a standard layaway:

  • We require three equal payments of the layaway total. You will be invoiced for the first amount upon request
  • payment two of the remaining balance will be billed two weeks from the date of the initial deposit.
  • The final payment is due two weeks after the second payment and shipping will be billed on this invoice as well.
  • items less then $500, or that are on sale, require a 50% deposit with the final payment due in two weeks from the date of deposit 

Read More

We offer flat rate Standard UPS shipping worldwide. All shipping options are displayed at checkout in the pull down menus provided.

Want it faster?

We offer flat rates for expedited and express shipping options - these will also display at check out and can be selected with the drop down menu during the checkout process.

Read More

SIZE GUIDE

Please review all measurements carefully. More often than not, vintage garments do not fit any size category exactly. If in doubt, measure a garment of your own that fits and is a similar cut and compare it's measurements to the listed measurements below.