A Pierre Balmain couture ball gown, Spring-Summer, 1954, labelled, of ivory silk ottoman, the boned, fitted bodice adorned with white raffia, coral ribbon, green floss silk embroidery with coral coloured droplets to the flowerheads, and studded with crystals, angular vented hip pockets, bust approx 81-86cm, 32-34in, waist 61cm, 24in A Pierre Balmain fitted fourreau dress with matching mink trimmed jacket using the identical embroidery is photographed in L'Officiel, no 393-394 p.90, for his Spring/Summer 1954 collection.'Pierre Balmain, embroidered with brilliant flowering branches of exquisite delicacy is this fourreau dress of beige satin. The matching embroidered jacket has mink trim to enhance the elegance of this precious ensemble.'

Generally good condition. Skirt: exterior has slight soiling to edges of hip pockets and across front waistline but this is hard to see (minor), a couple of very small soil spots to skirt and hem is faintly soiled also, interior is fresh and good. Bodice: embroidery colours are good and beading mostly intact, lacking approx. 7 coral droplets with one shattered coral droplet at front right bodice, metal threads are tarnished with occasional floating thread. Perspiration stains at underarm edges. Waistline has been slightly altered – it looks as though the line has been lowered at the back. Exterior is good, traces of stitch lines on lining also. Inside has scattering of small brown/yellow stains mainly at tips of interior metal bones.