"Frac"
Though known for his ultra-feminine silhouettes, Dior adapted many aspects of menswear for his designs. He appropriated gray-flannel tailoring, houndstooth, white cotton piqué, and other elements of menswear. One of Dior's great achievements was to create from the vocabulary of men's tuxedos. Here, a black wool column is accented with black silk faille that would be in a man's tuxedo lapel and cummerbund. Visible in the asymmetrical wrapping of the pattern pieces is his interest in the drape of fabric.
Artwork Details
- Title: "Frac"
- Design House: House of Dior (French, founded 1946)
- Designer: Christian Dior (French, Granville 1905–1957 Montecatini)
- Date: fall/winter 1949–50
- Culture: French
- Medium: wool, silk
- Credit Line: Gift of Rosamond Bernier, 1989
- Object Number: 1989.130.1a, b
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
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