Spring-Summer 1957 Collection

Paris, France

Ball gown in organza by Christian Dior Haute Couture, entitled ‘Libre’ from the Spring-Summer 1957 collection. Long dress in gazar, golden yellow silk organza with a high waist and boned bustier lined with cream tulle. Large backless neckline fastened at the back with press studs, punctuated by a wide matching belt with a white flower on the side adorned with a yellow pistil. The inner bustier is encircled with metal at the chest and extends into a sheath over the hips. Wrap effect for the front-slit skirt with two large panels echoing the belt. Yellow taffeta sheath underskirt and matching yellow tulle petticoat. Black woven label with white lettering Christian Dior Paris. Illegible number printed on the back of the label 1260 (?). No major flaws to report apart from some fraying of the silk at the folds of the bodice and a tiny stain on the skirt. The ensemble is structurally stable, can be handled and worn. Good overall condition in terms of colour and preservation. The last documentary photo shows this dress being worn by a model in the 1957 fashion show.

Dimensions: Equivalent to French size 35/36. Front height 134 cm, bust 87 cm, waist 63 cm, hips 110 cm, skirt circumference 210 cm.

This dress is from the Libre Spring-Summer 1957 line, the last collection presented by the Master before his sudden death on 24 October 1957. The Libre line could be seen as a synthesis of his creative work over the ten years since the birth of the New Look and the first Corolle line in 1947. All of Christian Dior's signature codes are represented in this pure, structured floral dress in a powerful, sunny colour. It heralds future silhouettes such as Yves Mathieu Saint Laurent's Trapeze line and Cristobal Balenciaga's Tonneau line, another major figure in haute couture during this period.