"Virevolte"
Emphasis on a nipped waist was the primary characteristic of Christian Dior's designs. No matter which silhouette he chose, the slim sheath or the bouffant skirt, the narrow waist recurs in nearly every garment. In some garments, a contrast of proportions makes the waist appear smaller. In others, hip padding or a self belt heightens the effect. This day ensemble features another Dior hallmark, the cropped jacket, to create the same look. Paired with a box-pleated skirt, the jacket skims the waist, accentuating the hourglass shape. This piece, as well as two others, were given to the Brooklyn Museum collection by one of Dior's former models.
Artwork Details
- Title: "Virevolte"
- Design House: House of Dior (French, founded 1946)
- Designer: Christian Dior (French, Granville 1905–1957 Montecatini)
- Date: fall/winter 1955
- Culture: French
- Medium: wool
- Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Irene Stone, 1967
- Object Number: 2009.300.443a–d
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
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Multiple artists/makers
fall/winter 1961–62
House of Dior
Marc Bohan
1980s
House of Dior
Christian Dior
spring/summer 1955
House of Dior
Gianfranco Ferré
spring/summer 1993
House of Dior
Gianfranco Ferré
1990–97
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