Dior's London branch enabled British women to commission couture to a French standard without having to travel far. The collections were designed by Marc Bohan (b.1926) in the spirit of the Paris shows but adapted for an English clientele.
This wearable silk dress has a cross-over bodice and fat fabric knots, both typical Dior hallmarks.
In 1960, Bohan assumed the position of chief designer at Dior in Paris following Yves Saint Laurent's departure.
Physical description
Short evening dress of black silk poult. Sleeveless with a V-neck and attached knots crossing over from the bust to the opposite hip, and tying in a knot detail. Full bell-shaped skirt. With silk lining, metal coil boning, and silk and nylon net petticoats.
Place of Origin
London, England (made)
Date
ca. 1957 (made)
Artist/maker
Bohan, Marc, born 1926 (possibly, designer)
Christian Dior London Ltd (maker)
Materials and Techniques
Silk poult, with silk lining, metal coil boning, and silk and nylon net petticoats
Marks and inscriptions
'[1?]2277'
Dimensions
Circumference: 91 cm bust, Circumference: 68 cm waist, Weight: 1.82 kg
Object history note
Registered File number 1985/190. This dress may have been designed by Marc Bohan, who designed for Dior of London from 1958 until he assumed the position of Creative Director at Dior (Paris) following Yves Saint Laurent's departure.
The dress is very typical of Dior ca. 1957. Dior's final collection in 1957 was typified by tight, moulded bodices and bell-shaped skirts.
Descriptive line
Short evening dress of black silk poult with cross-over fabric knots, possibly designed by Marc Bohan, made by Christian Dior Ltd., London, ca. 1957
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
Evening dress
Dior of London
London
About 1957
Dior's London branch enabled British women to commission couture to a French standard without having to travel far. The collections were designed by Marc Bohan in the spirit of the Paris shows but for an English clientele. This wearable silk dress has a cross-over bodice and fat fabric knots, both typical Dior hallmarks.
Silk poult
V&A: T.141-1985 [22/09/2007-06/01/2008]
Production Note
Attribution note: High-end ready-to-wear
Materials
Silk (textile); Metal; Nylon net; Silk net
Techniques
Plain weave; Lining (process); Boning
Subjects depicted
Knots
Categories
Fashion; Evening wear; Women's clothes
Production Type
Ready to wear
Collection code
T&F
