Givenchy Haute Couture Two-Piece Dress, Summer 1971

A similar example resides in the collection of the Museum at FIT (acc. 75.94.14), where the layers of silk organza of this dress are compared to the luminosity of Mark Rothko’s canvases. Countess von Galen’s name is inscribed three times within the layers of the silk.

Haute Couture black, brown, and orange silk organza long sleeve two-piece dress with ruffled hip and hemline, jewel neckline, and back snap closure; paired with matching silk strapless slip/underdress with center back zipper closure and matching scarf.
Label: Givenchy
Size Label: Unlabeled
Style/Serial No.: 45607 / No. 908 Ete 71

Approximate Measurements:
DRESS
Shoulders: 14"
Chest: 36"
Waist: 29"
Hips: 37"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 55.5"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 31.25"
Scarf Length: 33"
Scarf Width: 21"

STRAPLESS DRESS
Chest: 33"
Waist: 26"
Hips: 36"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 45"

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).