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La Ligne Libre

Evening Dress
1957 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This image shows the interior of a bodice, part of an outfit designed by Christian Dior (1905-57). The full ensemble consists of a skirt and bodice of lightweight organza, which float on a complex under-structure of net and boning in the bodice, and tulle in the skirt.

In-built corsetry was typical of couture garments, particularly for evening wear, so the client could simply step into her garment. In this case, even suspenders for stockings are included.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 3 parts.

  • Evening Skirt
  • Evening Bodice
  • Petticoat
Titles
  • La Ligne Libre (named collection)
  • Norvege (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Silk organza, net and boned
Brief description
Short evening dress, 'Norvege' from 'La Ligne Libre' consisting of a bodice, skirt, and petticoat in silk organza, designed by Christian Dior, made by Bodin Brossin, Paris, 1957
Physical description
Short evening dress consisting of a bodice, skirt and petticoat in eau-de-nil silk organza.
Dimensions
  • Evening bodice weight: .42kg
  • Petticoat weight: .34kg
Stockman (9010) mannequin size 40 NB: Evening bodice & Petticoat are hanging separately
Style
Production typeHaute couture
Gallery label
'Norvège' cocktail ensemble Christian Dior (1905-57) Paris 1957 spring/summer The lightweight organza of this skirt and bodice float on a complex under-structure. In-built corsetry was typical of couture garments, particularly for evening wear, so the client could simply step into her garment. In this case, even suspenders for stockings are included. [42 words] Organza, with the skirt lined with layers of silk and net Given by the Baroness Antoinette de Ginsbourg V&A: T.122&A, B-1974 Paper chart with a sample for 'Norvège' Christian Dior (1905-57) Paris 1957 spring/summer Dior created more than 200 designs for each summer and winter collection. In order to keep track of each one, he created a paper chart. It recorded the type of garment, the name of the design, the house model, the workshop forewoman, the embroiderers and the material suppliers. A sample of the fabric or fabrics was attached to each entry. [59 words] Archives Dior, Paris(22/09/2007)
Credit line
Given by Baroness Antoinette de Ginsbourg
Object history
This ensemble is a shorter version of the original design by Dior, as seen from the orginal chart in the Dior Archive (Paris) and the contemporary image in L'Officiel, March 1957.

The original Dior house model was Bella.

Association
Summary
This image shows the interior of a bodice, part of an outfit designed by Christian Dior (1905-57). The full ensemble consists of a skirt and bodice of lightweight organza, which float on a complex under-structure of net and boning in the bodice, and tulle in the skirt.

In-built corsetry was typical of couture garments, particularly for evening wear, so the client could simply step into her garment. In this case, even suspenders for stockings are included.
Bibliographic references
  • L'Officiel March 1957, p.87, for a long version of this dress.
  • Wilcox, C., ed., The Golden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947-1957 (V&A Publications, London: 2007), p.144 and pl.6.5 (illustrating he long version of the dress from L'Officiel, March 1957).
  • Fashion : An Anthology by Cecil Beaton. London : H.M.S.O., 1971
Other number
87163 - Model number
Collection
Accession number
T.122 to B-1974

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Record createdOctober 10, 2005
Record URL
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