Eisa Silk Dress, ca.1950

This dress was made for and worn by Anne Moen Bullitt (1924-2007).

Anne Moen Bullitt amassed a storied collection of haute couture as a result of extensive international travel throughout her four marriages. Her second husband, Nicholas Duke Biddle, was vice consul of the American embassy in Spain, “and it was here that the kernel of Anne’s couture wardrobe was formed. With easy access to Cristobal Balenciaga’s ateliers in Madrid, Anne ultimately had more than a hundred couture ensembles made for her, all under the Spanish name Eisa.” Bullitt eventually settled in Ireland, pursuing her hobbies of horse breeding and collecting vintage clothing.

Provenance: Acquired by consignor at ‘Fashion Through the Ages’, Christie’s London, December 3, 2009, Sale No. 5945.

Grey silk cap sleeved dress with front hip pockets, two panels which lay over the skirt, and center front button closure.
Label: Eisa

Size Label: N/A

Style/Serial No.: N/A

Approximate Measurements:

Shoulders: 15.75"

Chest: 33.5"

Waist: 21"

Hips: 36.5"

Length (high shoulder point to hem): 44"

Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 11.75"

Property from the Collection of Beverley Birks, New York, New York

Condition:

The overall condition is good structurally though two of the center front buttons are missing, there are stressed at seams throughout the skirt but especially along the waist, center back, and hemline. There is some yellowing on back left seat of dress with one small yellow spot on the center back bodice near waist.

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 [email protected] 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.

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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.

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Eisa Silk Dress, ca.1950

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