dior dress vintage c1955 Christian Dior Original Demi-Couture Fitted Dress – Shrimpton Couture

dior dress vintage c1955 Christian Dior Original Demi-Couture Fitted Dress – Shrimpton CoutureThis wonderful tailored and chic dress is labeled Christian Dior Original and pieces form this time period with this label were almost always a custom or special order. This would have been based on the Dior Haute Couture collection designed by Christian Dior himself and you can clearly see the similar front draping technique in the several museum held included here from that 1955 collection and even one that Dita Von Teese owns and has worn. These

This wonderful tailored and chic dress is labeled Christian Dior Original and pieces form this time period with this label were almost always a custom or special order. This would have been based on the Dior Haute Couture collection designed by Christian Dior himself and you can clearly see the similar front draping technique in the several museum held  included here from that 1955 collection and even one that Dita Von Teese owns and has worn. 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. I know for fact that there is an actual photo of this dress out there but unfortunately I have not been able to re-find it. One day I will come across it once again and it will be sent to the new owner if it is sold already when that happens.

The dress itself is a wonderful example of the tailoring Christian Dior put into his pieces. The fabric is a light serged wool with a touch of stretch to it that is possible because the fabric was cut and sewn on the cross grain. This makes it both incredibly comfortable to wear once on but at the same time acts like a "shaping" garment in that it hugs and smooths the body. The front is incredible with that high crossed panel detailing that is secured with a button - a detail featured prominently in this collection. The shoulders are rounded and you will note that there are no seams around the arm, rather the fabric extends and is shaped and cut in the proper technique. The sleeves narrow to a buttoned cuff at each wrist. The waist nips in and the skirt hugs the hips and narrows with a large front pleat and smaller back vent that allows movement. Pockets sit on each hip and are set to cleverly add a gentle curve and highlight that desired "hourglass" shape of the period. It is fantastic and even better in person. Excellent museum quality.

Unlined and closes with a back brass metal zipper. The front button is decorative but the button hole is properly finished. Interior waist stay that hooks to close. Buttons on each cuff. Note that all three buttons are different from each other so during its history there have been replacements made. The interior has a ribbon finish hem and is extremely well constructed. Almost entirely and clearly hand finished with some machine work as per the dictates of demi-couture.

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 26.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2617

Reference Photos: (1) F/W 1955 Christian Dior "Virevolte" Dress at the MET.  /  (2) Dita Von Teese.  /  (3) Model in Christian Dior’s Y-Line dress called “Blue de Perse”, Paris 1955. Photo by Regina Relang.

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