Philippe Venet Haute Couture Tiered Dress with Balloon Sleeves, Fall/Winter 1991

Couture clients often develop strong relationships with the houses they patronize. Couture designers came to play integral roles in Countess von Galen’s life over decades. Philippe Venet and his partner Hubert de Givenchy designed for the Countess and in their friendship, were present for many milestones in each other’s lives. James Taffin de Givenchy, the designer’s nephew, noted that, “As Monsieur Hubert de Givenchy’s lifelong companion, he helped to build the house into an international force in fashion, and his many contributions remain an essential part of our DNA.”

Haute Couture red silk charmeuse tiered mini dress with wide neckline, gathered balloon sleeves, and back zipper closure.
Label: Philippe Venet
Size Label: Unlabeled
Style/Serial No.: 2406-60

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 14"
Chest: 34"
Waist: 31.5"
Hips: 36.75"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 34.25"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 28"

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 are some white marks on the top of the left shoulder.

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.

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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

Philippe Venet Haute Couture Tiered Dress with Balloon Sleeves, Fall/Winter 1991

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