1950s BEYOND FABULOUS ONE OF A KIND COUTURE CHRISTIAN DIOR SALMON COLORED PLEATED DUCHESS SATIN COCKTAIL DRESS WITH BONED NET BRA, M

FEATURED IN THE VINTAGE CLOTHING PRICE GUIDE and FORBES TRAVELER

Accordion Sunburst Pleating - House of Dior Couture

DESCRIPTION:  For the serious collector.  Incredible example of 1950's couture inspired by Marilyn Monroe and executed by Christian Dior.  Cocktail or party dress in a gorgeous salmon colored duchess stain.  The bodice has horizontal accordion pleating, with a 5-1/2" waistband above the sunburst pleated skirting.  Halter styling with a self-fabric strap around the neck.  Can also be worn without the strap showing.  Same fabric covered wedding buttons down the back, stopping 18" from the hemline and revealing an inverted pleat running the length of the skirt.  A built in long-line net bra with boning and hook and eye closures provides support for the sleeveless and strapless cut.  Accurate color indicated in photos.  The dress does not hang well on the size 4 mannequin, particularly in the bust area, so much of its true glory escapes the photos provided!

Featured in the 2005 Antique Trader Vintage Clothing Price Guide on page 116 (edited by Kyle Husfloen and Madeleine Kirsh), this gown was priced at $3,500 at that time.  This seller was mentioned in the acknowledgements. See scan of page in guide below.  The listing mentions that the bra was added in later, but it is original, sewn in with the same thread as the rest of the dress.

Also featured in Forbes Traveler, in a piece on the top vintage clothing stores in the world, as the dress is on display at one of these stores.  See photo below.

This amazing gown carries the original label:  Christian Dior Original - Made in the U.S.A., Christian Dior - New York.  Store fabric label also affixed.

Excellent condition with 4 buttons missing, easily replaced using standard metal wedding buttons and some of the inside fabric from the gown.