This is an incredible dress set with all three original pieces that would be from when Marc Bohan was head of the Dior atelier. It is a beautiful and early example of the work being produced by Christian Dior in this time period. This is the Christian Dior - London label and is considered to be demi-couture from this time period of Dior's history and this set in particular is numbered. These where made for the London market based on the runway designs and with many of the same high standard finishes that Haute Couture pieces incorporated. The line was created and designed by Jorn Langberg, Artistic Director of Christian Dior London. We were able to date this gorgeous set by the photo that appears in the November 1968 issue of Vogue. It is exceptional and the textile it is made from is one of the best I have seen from Dior. 

The fabric on this Dior set is jaw dropping. It is a woven gold silk lame brocade with a raised design that gives it remarkable texture. Depending on how the light hits it different aspects of the pattern come to play. It is just incredible. It is made from real metal thread and when you touch it it has a slightly metal feel to it. All three original pieces to the set are present. The very inner layer is a skirt that is suspended from a sleeveless top made out of lining fabric. This is a technique that you no longer see done because of the extra fabric it used and longer zipper requirements but it was the proper way to have a skirt hang perfectly and be the most comfortable for the wearer. Over this is a sleeveless shell that opens up completely down the back with a zipper. It is cut to perfectly fall just over where the skirt underneath begins. It is cut with the slightest of curving in at the waist and each side is notched. Over both of these sits a box cut jacket with glove length sleeves and a simple collarless cut. The jacket is cut on the generous side purposefully. That full shape on the top and more fitted skirt underneath is so representative of this time period and when done by the hands of a genius like Dior, still feels timeless and fresh. The entire set glows like burnished metal and the fabric is unbelievable in person. The photos don't come close to doing it full justice. It is a exceptional piece. Excellent condition with a few small items to note below.

The skirt and top are both interlined in a brown silk organza. The jacket is lined in a brown silk crepe. The inner dress/skirt and the top both closs with a back painted metal zipper. The jacket has no closures. The jacket and shell both have weighted hems. Ribbon edged finishes and hand finished throughout. The inner dress's has been let out and you can see where this was done down the side and along the darts. The silk lining in the shell is beginning to shatter in places. Slight fraying to some edges. All very minor in person and do not detract. Please see the photos after the label shot. The jacket is meant to be worn over-sized.

Inner Dress
Bust: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 19" from waist to hem

Shell
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 23" from neck to hem

Jacket
Sleeves: 19"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 25" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD1696

Reference Photos: (1) Photographed by Arnaud de Rosnay, Vogue US, November 1968 / (2-3) Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.