Two Haute Couture Jackets: One Christian Dior, One Balenciaga, c.1960

This lot contains two haute couture jackets.

THE FIRST
Cristobal Balenciaga was the first designer to surrender the cinched waist in 1957; by the 1960s he was shocking the fashion press with increasingly abstract silhouettes. This beaded jacket from the early 1960s reminds us that alongside his dramatic, architectural forms, Balenciaga produced wearable, elegant, exquisitely embellished garments for his dedicated haute couture clientele.

Mint green woven jacket with silver-tone thread embroidery throughout and encrusted with rhinestones, crew neckline, set in long sleeves, and hook and eye front closure.
Label: Balenciaga  Size Label: UnlabeledStyle/Serial No.: 57054

Approximate Measurements:Shoulders: 15"Chest: 40.25"Waist: 39"Hips: 40.25"Length (high shoulder point to hem): 21"Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 28"
THE SECOND
This beaded jacket is from the final collection by Yves Saint Laurent for Christian Dior. The fall 1960 collection was titled "Souplesse, Legerete, Vie" (Flexibility, Lightness, Life) and featured deep purples and blacks. The crocodile "Chicago" jacket was part of this collection. This piece marks the end of a bold era for the House of Dior.  

Black net jacket embroidered throughout with black beads, each holding a small tassle of black beads at the center, crew neckline, set in long sleeves, and hook and eye with snap front closure.
Label: Christian Dior Paris, Fall / Winter 1960Size Label: UnlabeledStyle/Serial No.: Unlabeled  Approximate Measurements:Shoulders: 15.25"Chest: 42.5"Waist: 42"Hips: 43"Length (high shoulder point to hem): 21.5"Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 27.5"
Property from the Collection of a Midwest University

Condition: THE FIRSTThe overall condition is poor with the following:  Structural Issues: The interior of the center back neckline is shredding including both the lining and the main textile. Some of the threads from the embroidery have also become loose, primarily on the sleeves.Split/Separated Seams: On the interior, the center back seam is split open as well as stressing in the seams around the armscyes. On the right side of the lining by the hooks, the stitching is coming undone.Losses: There are detached and missing rhinestones and sequins which some still remain with the garment.Fading/Color Change: The exterior of the jacket has fading throughout, primarily along the hems and the opening. On the interior of the front opening, there is darkening throughout.Soiling/Spots: There is soiling throughout the lining, primarily around the neckline, the center back, and the sleeve hems. There are also a few soiled spots and other spots throughout the exterior panels, primarily along the inner sleeves and on the center front.Insect Damage: N/ACorrosion/Tarnish: N/ARepairs/Alterations: N/ATHE SECONDThe overall condition is poor with the following:  Structural Issues: The lining is severely ripped throughout, primarily along the armscyes and around the neckline.Split/Separated Seams: There is a small hole in the seam around the left armscye.Losses: N/AFading/Color Change: There is color change throughout the lining, primarily around the neckline.Soiling/Spots: There is soiling throughout the lining, primarily along the neckline and armscyces. There is also soiling and a few spots down the center front right side, and the hems of the right and left sleeve.Insect Damage: N/ACorrosion/Tarnish: N/ARepairs/Alterations: N/AEverything is sold 'As Is'. The stated overall condition of the lot is based on the assumption that the wear is consistent with age and use. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. All other condition issues are stated above. To request additional working condition photos, please email us with the lot number. Condition is a matter of opinion of the evaluator and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Clients must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction.