Cocktail dress
While the textile of this garment is an uncharacteristic choice for Christian Dior, design elements of the dress clearly mark it as being a product of the Dior atelier. The dress has asymmetrical draping in the bodice, creating a soft bow at the proper left side, while the box-pleated skirt has been cut on the bias, transforming the pattern into diagonal stripes. The bubble construction of the skirt adds to its fullness, and the blue cummerbund sash draws attention to the nipped waist. Many of these features are hallmarks of Dior's work and recur frequently in designs throughout his career.
Artwork Details
- Title: Cocktail dress
- Design House: House of Dior (French, founded 1946)
- Designer: Christian Dior (French, Granville 1905–1957 Montecatini)
- Date: spring/summer 1956
- Culture: French
- Medium: silk, nylon
- Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Henry Rogers Benjamin, 1965
- Object Number: 2009.300.364a–c
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
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