PL74.1.2

Images (6)

Night and Day_03 Left to right 96.117.1 (suit), PL74.1.2 (top and skirt), P88.3.29 (textile wall), 86.30.1 (green dress), 65.132.1 (black suit), 82.208.9 (dress), 95.121.4 (textile wall), PL74.1.17 (black dress), 76.233.2 (dress and shoes case), 72.81.44 (hat case), 92.202.1 (gloves case), 73.6.602 (hat case), U.2159 (necklace case)

Night and Day_04 Left to right 96.117.1 (suit), PL74.1.2 (top and skirt), P88.3.29 (textile wall)

Dior + Balenciaga, Left to right PL74.1.30 (suit), 77.116.5 (suit), 70.57.54 (blue cocktail dress), 69.153.3 (brown cocktail dress), PL74.1.2 (black wool ensemble), P91.78.2 (black coat dress)

Dior + Balenciaga, Left to right: PL74.1.30 (suit), 77.116.5 (suit), 70.57.54 (blue dress), 69.153.3 (brown dress), PL74.1.2 (top and skirt), P91.78.2 (black dress)

Object: Set

Brand: Christian Dior (French, founded 1947)

Designer: Christian Dior (1905 - 1957)

Date: Fall/Winter 1948

Medium: Wool crepe

Country: France

Credit Line: Lent by Mrs. Michael Blankfort

Object number: PL74.1.2

DescriptionBlouse in black heavy woolen crepe with wrap diagonal button closing from center front neck to right underarm with fold draping between last three buttons; band at neck ties off center front; tight dolman sleeves with gusset at the top seam of which slopes to back and makes back yoke; three button closing at pointed cuffs; darted to fit; tuck in peplum of black silk crepe; hook and eye closing down right side. Matching bias wrap skirt with no seams; five button fake closing at right hip with modified peg top; wrap part of skirt slopes up from hem at right side to mid skirt at left side covering zipper closing; self waistband is hooked at side; lined in black moire.

Label Text:This dress was made in two pieces to ensure a perfect fit. The high neckline and long sleeves suggest that it was worn early in the day. Diagonal buttons emphasize the asymmetrically wrapped bodice and skirt inspired by nineteenth-century riding habits. The deft manipulation of fabric is most noticeable in the soft folds between the buttons.

Exhibitions:

Night and Day
Dior + Balenciaga: The Kings of Couture and Their Legacies