This three-piece afternoon dress, designed by Christian Dior (1905-57), comprises a top, belt and skirt. Despite its simple appearance, it is assembled with a multiplicity of buttons and tiny snap fasteners, which required the help of a lady's maid to secure.
The couturier Cristóbal Balenciaga (1895-1972) was said to have disapproved of the complexity of Dior's fastenings.
Physical description
Tailored 3-piece day dress made up of a jacket, skirt and belt in navy blue worsted. Skirt and jacket are attached to one and other by buttons.
Place of Origin
Paris, France (made)
Date
1952 (made)
Artist/maker
Dior, born 1905 - died 1957 (designer)
Materials and Techniques
Worsted wool
Marks and inscriptions
'17318'
'Christian Dior Paris Printemps / Ete 1952'
'34.136'
Dimensions
Circumference: 70 cm waist, Length: 76 cm skirt, Diameter: 70 cm footprint of skirt
Object history note
Opal Holt was born in Canada in 1887 but lived in the US until the end of the Second World War. She travelled extensively between the wars and was in the first plane to land in Bali. She married Herbert Holt, a Canadian who lived a large part of his life in England, as her third husband in 1946. They came to England and Europe every summer and Opal Holt began buying clothes in Paris for her life in England, and for the Bahamas in Winter, over a period of about thirty years. She died in 1980.
Given by Mrs D.M Haynes and Mrs. Clark (nee Holt; Opal Holt's step-daughters).
Historical context note
The original model for this dress was Simone.
Descriptive line
Three-piece day dress 'Batignolles' from 'La Ligne Sinueuse' made up of a jacket, skirt and belt in worsted, designed by Christian Dior, Paris, 1952
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Dress information card with photograph in the Dior Archives, Paris
BATIGNOLLES: Robe d'apres-midi en lainage marine - Cravate en vision aleoutien EMBA
[In the archival photograph, the dress is shown with a tightly cinched waist and exaggerated padded hips as per the New Look. It is worn with a fur stole, small hat, elbow-length black gloves, and white court shoes.]
Palemer, A., 'Inside Paris Haute Couture' in C. ed., The Golden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947-1957 (V&A Publications, 2007), pl.3.13.
Exhibition History
The Golden Age of Couture. Paris and London 1947 - 1957 (Victoria and Albert Museum 22/09/2007-06/01/2008)
Labels and date
'Batignolles' skirt, top and belt
Christian Dior (1905-57)
Paris
1952 spring/summer
Despite its simple appearance, this ensemble is assembled with a multiplicity of buttons and tiny snap fasteners, which required the help of a lady's maid. Balenciaga was said to have disapproved of the complexity of Dior's fastenings.
Worsted
Worn by Mrs Opal Holt and given by Mrs Haynes and Mrs Clark
V&A: T.110&A, B-1982 [22/09/2007]
Production Note
From Atelier Monique, the premier at Dior during the 1950s
Categories
Fashion; Day wear; Women's clothes
Production Type
Haute couture
Collection code
T&D
