Summer Fashion & Accessories (Online Only)

Christian Dior Haute Couture Dress and Shawl, 2008

In 2008, Renée Fleming was the first woman to open the season of New York’s Metropolitan Opera. For the occasion, she wore four haute couture creations, including this dress by John Galliano for Christian Dior for her role as The Countess in Strauss’s Capriccio. Annie Lebovitz photographed Fleming in all four dresses for a 2008 Vogue article called ‘La Dolce Vita’ by Hamish Bowles. In the article, Galliano is quoted as saying that Fleming’s voice, with its ‘whole timbre of colors, emotions, and tones, made me want to create something bold, vivacious, sensual, and capricious.’ Property from the Collection of Renée Fleming, New York, New York, to benefit the Renée Fleming Foundation.

John Galliano for Christian Dior black silk crepe dress with a draped design secured on the left hip with a richly embroidered panel of glass beads, gold foil and thread. Similar glass beads in a goldtone setting form thin shoulder straps. The dress is hand-sewn to a heavily boned black corset that laces up the right side seam. A long rectangular stole features an Art Deco/Egyptian-themed design using a similar embroidery to the dress. 
Label: Christian Dior / Haute Couture / Paris

Condition: 
Overall very good condition. Dress has a few small spots on the left hip and the back hem. The lining of the back hem/train has many spots that appear to be make-up. The left hip embroidery is missing approximately 12 glass beads from one section only. The shawl is in very good condition with some wear marks around the shoulder area from wrapping the shawl around the body. The embroidery on the shawl is in excellent condition with only a few minor areas of damage. 

 

Approximate Flat Measurements Across the Front: 

DRESS

Bust: 17"

Waist: 14" 

Hips: 19"

Length (from underarm): 56"

 

SHAWL

Length: 132" 

Width: 27" 

Length of embroidery on each side of shawl: 39"

 

The stated overall condition of the lot is based on the assumption that the wear is consistent with age and use. As everything is sold 'as is', we suggest that you request a more detailed condition report and additional photo. This can be obtained via the INQUIRE button or by email at [email protected]. Condition is a matter of opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact.