Christian Dior 1950s New Look Dress In Black satin and cream Lace

Get the iconic look worn by ITV Racing presenter, Francesca Cumani, at Ascot 2024 with our Christian Dior 1950s 'New Look' dress. As seen in the Evening Standard magazine 'All the best dressed guests from King Charles and Prince William to Elizabeth Hurley', experience the timeless beauty and sophistication of Christian Dior with this dress.

This dress is made from a cream lace top over a wide stiff black satin skirt which is supported by a net underskirt. The lace top is finished with a pretty velvet collar and bow. The top is corseted so as to keep the style and shape of the dress and is closed with a long metal zip. The dress has little cap sleeves that cover the top of the arm. The base of the top at the front comes over the hips and divides in the middle which gives an appearance of much greater swing.

This dress is a unique masterpiece and quite stunning. A real head turning collectors piece from on of France's greatest designers.

This history of this dress:

Christian Dior's reputation as one of the most important couturiers of the twentieth century was launched in 1947 with his very first collection, in which he introduced the "New Look". Featuring rounded shoulders, a cinched waist and a very full skirt; the New Look celebrated ultra femininity and opulence in women's fashion. After years of military and civilian uniforms, sartorial restrictions and shortages, Dior offered not merely a new look but a new outlook.

This particular model dates to the 1950s. The bodice has a boned corselet over which the lace fabric has been anchored in a stiffened armature with the asymmetric base, which is split in the centre, looking as though it is barely affixed to the skirt panels. The high neckline is adorned with a black velvet collar with a delicate little bow at its centre.
The capped shoulders, when seen in detail, suggest the way Dior has draped rather than
tailored his forms, wrapping and tacking instead of cutting and piecing. The bodice is lined from the breast line down. 
The skirt is huge. A mass of black silk gathered to a tiny waist invisible under the overlay of the bodice, but held in place by an internal band. The skirt takes on a life of its own when worn and swings in the most lovely way.

Condition of the dress:

Sold in excellent condition with no stains or rips and only the odd pull to note.

Measurements:

Shoulder to shoulder: 40cm
Bust: 34inches
Waist: 27inches, approximately 69cm
Length: 120cm