Tuesday, April 19, 2011

The Daily Dress: Silk Faille Dior

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This is the exact sort of dress I'm craving for my wardrobe lately: simple, elegant, and made in a lush fabric like black silk faille. It could be dressed up or down, and would look great with a pair of bright blue suede pumps that I can only afford in my fantasies.


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 Yes? YES.

This lovely LBD is a 50s-era Dior that recently went for over $3,000 at auction. The auction website gives great details, noting that there are weights in the hem, and surprisingly, a "boned black cotton net built-in corset." I'm guessing that this was an inner corselet rather than an actual lace-up corset. Still, it's interesting that Dior would include that kind of inner foundation (which is usually reserved for strapless dresses) in a long-sleeved dress. What do you make of that, dear readers?

11 comments:

  1. Given the weight of the dress, with the heavy silk, likely linings, and hem weights, etc, the built in corset would keep the weight of the dress from just pulling off the shoulder seams as well helping it hold a shape of its own.

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  2. Gorgeous dress - I'm guessing the built-in corset is because the neckline is low and open.. and visible bra straps would ruin the dramatic effect!

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  3. I could wear a dress like this, let's look for a similar pattern!

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  4. It is so funny that you posted that dress. The Mahogany Stylist just did a post for a dress she made that is almost exactly like it! She used S2248.

    Her post is here:
    http://themahoganystylist.blogspot.com/2011/04/ladies-breakfast-at-tiffanys-lbds.html

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  5. Yes to the dress and shoes! I am wondering if the dress has a low back that would prevent the wearer from using a regular bra or if the straps would show at the shoulders (an issue I am facing with a vintage dress I am currently making)

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  6. Well, be still my beating Heart. What I like about this dress is that it looks lightweight, effortless, and versatile. This could go from cocktail party to formal dinner without a glitch. The front bow detail is so Dior. Love bows!

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  7. I would assume that all dresses of this era and quality had their own built in corsetry...we are talking couture after all.

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  8. I love that dress! Maybe with a pair of velvet, pale pink heels with a bow. Amazing.

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  9. I think Rosalie is right. I have a 50s Advance Import pattern (for a John Cavanagh dress, if I remember correctly) which I figured I would try and grade to my size... that's until it arrived and I discovered I wouldn't simply have to regrade a really rather complicated structure on the outside, but also a whole boned structure on the inside too... at which point I admired it and tucked it away for another time when my grading/ draping skills are more advanced!

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  10. one of the loveliest dresses i've seen! Awesome job, looks great.

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  11. I love this nighty on my sister, she looked so beautiful and sexy in it, it was just perfect. I love to buy bali panties

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Thanks for your comments; I read each and every one! xo Gertie

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