1947-48

Details

A CHRISTIAN DIOR MUSTARD WOOL DAY DRESS
1947-48
With three-quarter length turn-up sleeves, the bodice with three buttons, the skirts full, with pockets to the hips
Labelled CHRISTIAN DIOR PARIS in black to white silk, with couture number '4782' to linen tag

Provenance

Note from the Vendor regarding Lots 25, 35-38, 42 and 48: :

My mother, Mrs. Orator Frank Woodward III (Nadya) had a wonderful, fascinating,and elegant life. She was born in Pleven, Bulgaria and attended the Sorbonne University in Paris to study International Law, where she met my father, Dr. Norberto Angones, who was a diplomat representing Cuba in the Cuban Embassy in Paris. They fell in love and were married. She was famously beautiful, very intelligent, and extremely chic her entire life.

After the death of my father in 1962, she eventually married Orator Frank Woodward III, an heir to the Jello fortune. She lived during an era of great sophistication and glamour, which she personified.

Special notice

VAT rate of 20% is payable on hammer price and buyer's premium

Further details

VARIOUS PROPERTIES

Lot Essay

The owner has always believed this dress to be called Bonheur. Bonheur formed part of Dior's first collection in 1947, entitled 'La Corolle' but christened 'New Look' by Carmel Snow. The design was originally realised in pale pink taffeta, rather than mustard yellow and it is possible that this piece was commissioned by the owner in this specific fabric and colourway.

It certainly recalls models such as 'Diorama' in its full skirts and tightly moulded bodice, but it also resembles models such as 'Mysotis', a coat dress in pale blue silk from two years later.

More from Vintage Couture

View All