RARE 1953 CHRISTIAN Dior New York Label Black Velvet Strapless Evening Gown - 1950s Christian Dior Gown - 1950s Dior Gown | Size XS

Professional construction from the one and only Christian Dior, from the New York label. This stunning gown is done in a bold black silk velvet featuring varying widths of horizontal panels of soft black faille. I found a strikingly similar gown dated to the 1953 fall collection and I believe this gown would have been from the same collection. (Feel free to send me a message if you would like to see the image for reference).

The dress features a strapless bodice and bell shaped full length skirt. The bodice features an interior corset underpinning foundation, fully boned with it’s own rear central metal zipper and hook and eye band at the waist. The top edge of this corset is trimmed in the black faille and is visible just above the exterior bodice and attached with hidden threads. Both the under bodice and exterior bodice move beautifully together for a phenomenal, structured fit and a stunning silhouette. The exterior bodice features a band of faille across the mid-bust that fastens at the side with hook and eye closures. The exterior bodice also has a separate rear central metal zipper and additional hook and eye closures. There is another band of faille at the waist which also wraps around the dress and fastens with snaps beneath the bow detail at the right side waist. The waist has a classic nip as the skirt extends into a bell shaped flare, for that coveted New Look silhouette. The skirt is fully lined in black silk with a sturdy interior layer of interfacing between the velvet and the silk lining that provides structure for the skirt. There is a second silk slip lining as well as a layer of tulle. The attention to detail and exquisite, meticulous construction is everything you would expect coming from a piece of this caliber of design.

Condition is listed as good plus to near very good with some minor condition notations.
The interior corset of the dress has lost the zipper pull to its rear fastener, the zipper itself is fully intact with all teeth intact, the pull could be replaced to preserve the original zipper or the zipper could be replaced entirely at your discretion. The garment is wearable with this notation, however for a proper fit and to prevent any damage to the garment I am suggesting this issue be remedied prior to wear.
This dress had one original owner who had the dress hemmed, I have left this as is, as it should be addressed by a professional should you wish the length to be returned to its original measurements. There is currently 7 inches of viable hem allowance. It does look as though the tulle layer was cut at the time of the length adjustment, this notation cannot be reversed however it does not present when the dress is worn and does not deter from proper presentation.

There is an area at the rear, bottom hem of the dress with a 1 ½ inch mark to the velvet and some speckled marks around the surrounding area. I have provided a photo of this notation. I note one small tatter the size of a pencil tip just to the right of the rear zipper. This is the only issue of its nature and could be stitched so that it is entirely unseen. There are some very minor general notes of handling and minor crushing to the pile of the velvet here and there, these are generally unseen without very keen inspection and have been noted for thorough full disclosure. The dress has not been cleaned in any way but is free from any stains, no discoloration, no fade, and no noxious odors. A professional cleaning is recommended for the restoration process. You will find all notations clearly listed in their entirety as I alway strive for meticulous full disclosure of all details. You will also find the condition notations reflected in the price.

This dress is absolutely stunning in person and with a bit of attention it will wear and present beautifully. Such a unique opportunity to acquire a genuine treasure from the iconic days of Dior.

Measurements
Bust 31 / 32 snug
Waist 24
Hip free (exterior flare 64 inches)
Length from top of corset 50
Length from top of bodice 48
Bodice length from corset 14. 5
Bodice length from bodice 14
Hem Allowance 7 inches