Givenchy Haute Couture Christening Gown, 1974

Hubert de Givenchy was known to have developed uniquely close relationships with his clients, who would call upon him for requests beyond the traditional scope of a couturier’s purview. The Countess von Galen asked Givenchy to create her infant son’s baptismal robe. According to Givenchy’s biographer Jean-Noel Liaut, the Christening gown worn by the king of Rome was the inspiration for this piece. Givenchy himself dressed the infant on the occasion. This christening gown was featured in the ‘Hubert de Givenchy’ exhibition at the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum in Madrid, Spain in 2014-15.

Haute Couture white linen christening gown trimmed with lace and pin-tuck detail trimmed neckline, sleeves, skirt, and back ties, and back button closure.
Label: Givenchy
Size Label: Unlabeled
Style/Serial No.: 55190

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 8.75"
Chest: 19.75"
Waist: 20"
Hips: 26.5"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 46"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 16"

Property from the Collection of Countess Anita von Galen

This lot is one of sixty-seven in this auction from Countess Anita von Galen, a German aristocrat and socialite known for her avant-garde sense of style and brilliant entertaining. Over the years, the Countess von Galen has used her visionary eye and a penchant for unique silhouettes to build an extraordinary collection of haute couture. She considered Hubert de Givenchy (Lots 1-18) and his partner, Philippe Venet, also a couturier (Lots 19-20), close friends, with Givenchy designing the baptismal gown (Lot 1) for her only son, Ferdinand Otto von Galen. Beyond her friendship with the couple, Countess von Galen was an ardent supporter of emerging, avant-garde designers including Pierre Cardin (Lots 25-48), Kansai Yamamoto (Lots 61-62), and Yohji Yamamoto (Lot 63).

Condition:

The overall condition is very good though there is a spot on the front right side by the hem and two small holes in the lace hem on the center front and center left side. There is a spot on the center back along the button closure with a small hole and a faint mark on the bottom of the left ribbon tail. There are a few small holes in the lace hem on the back right side and another small mark on the back right side by the hem.

Everything 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.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Timothy Long

Director, Senior Specialist, Couture & Luxury Accessories

[email protected]312.334.4222

Mr. Long has nearly 20 years of experience as a curator of fashion and decorative arts in museums including the Museum of London, the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and the Chicago History Museum. At Hindman, he works with individual clients, collectors, dealers, and museums to bring to auction collections of couture and luxury accessories. Mr. Long’s recent publications include Charles James: Designer in Detail and a chapter on the same designer in London Couture: British Luxury 1923–1975, both published by V&A Publishing.

Michael Hall

Cataloguer, Couture & Luxury Accessories

[email protected]312 280 1212

Summer Fashion & Accessories

Givenchy Haute Couture Christening Gown, 1974

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