Marc Bohan began his career in 1945 under Robert Piguet and stayed there for four years. He then became an assistant to Edward Molyneux and then went on to design for Madeline de Rauch for a year. In 1953 he produced one single collection under his own name and then was wooed away to design for Jean Patou where he designed their Haute Couture collections. In 1958 he landed at Dior where he designed the Christian Dior London label until September of 1960. It was at this point that he took over from Yves Saint Laurent and remained the Creative Director at Dior until 1989. This dress is from those very early days designing the London label directly under the eyes of the very young Yves Saint Laurent. We have had a Haute Couture raspberry Dior from 1966 that feels very similar in feel to this dress and it is interesting to see that progression through those early years froths dress to the couture version. 

This is an amazing little dress that still feels perfectly on point for our modern girl which shows you just how well great design holds up even after 50+ years. It is cut in a sleek little shift that skims over the body to the hem with just the slightest bit of a flare as it nears the bottom. This gives it that perfect neat and chic silhouette that has an almost sculptural feel to it that was so prevalent in this era. The dress is beautifully constructed and it is cut to fit and flatter the body. Dresses from this time period were made to Demi-couture construction levels and that level of  workmanship in the dress clearly shows. The neckline is finished with a wide panel of the same fabric that sits across the shoulders and leaves the opening of the neck wide. At the back this falls and extends down into a panel that falls  to just above the waist. Under that the sleeves are capped and simple with a touch of a wider cut. I love it. The shape through the body of the dress is a boxy silhouette with just the tiniest suggestion of shape through the waist. Set down the front are six large dyed to match buttons. The fabric is a gorgeous deep blue nubby boucle. It has an almost coarse feel to it and the added texture that it gives the dress is wonderful. If you are looking for a simple and chic statement dress, this is it. It is simple, chic and elegant, yet extremely glamorous because of that stunning colour and nubby fabric choice. The dress even still has its original metal hang tag on in inner seam. It is a fantastic little piece of Dior history. Excellent condition with a minor note to below

Fully lined in a blue silk the same shade as the exterior. The dress closes with a metal zipper at the back and another that runs down the centre of the back panel. Ribbon edge finishes on some of the main seams. Hand finishes. One button has some tiny nicks in it. Please see the photo after the label shot. The label is numbered.

Sleeves: 14" around
Shoulders: approx 16"
Bust: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 43" from neck to hem with 2" turned under

Modern Sizing Equivalent: LRG-XL

Item# DD4566

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