The simple printed silk third from the right comes from the archive of Zika Ascher, an innovative textile manufacturer who based himself in London after the annexation of Czechoslovakia. In the post-war period, Ascher Ltd. developed a range of different fabrics for use at the top end of the market: woollens and mohairs for winter, silks and cottons for summer.

Called 'Babouchka' by Ascher, this light-weight, semi-transparent silk was used by Christian Dior Boutique in Spring/Summer 1954 in a day dress called 'Gracieux'. It belonged therefore to Dior's cheaper, ready-to-wear collections, and was described as a 'go anywhere' dress, suitable for hot days of summer. It was sleeveless, with a low V-shaped neck and full, pleated skirt. Customers could choose one of three colours for the background: royal blue, pistachio green, or light rose.