Givenchy Haute Couture Silk Dress, ca. 1958

Yellow silk taffeta sleeveless high waist dress with front waist bow detail, gathered skirt, and center back zipper and button closures. The interior bodice is boned on white silk taffeta with waist belt.
Label: Givenchy / Paris
Size Label: N/A
Style/Serial No.: 12.368

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 13"
Chest: 34"
Waist: 22"
Hips: 33"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 54.5"

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

Condition:

The overall condition is good with the following:
Split/Separated Seams: The center back of interior bodice lining is coming detached where it is stitched to the zipper tape. The interior waist belt has come unstitched in a few places.
Fading/Color Change: The underarms are faded due to wear.
Soiling/Spots: There is some overall light soiling throughout the bodice. The front right skirt hip has some darkened yellow spots. The skirt has multiple spots above the hemline throughout.
Repairs/Alterations: The interior bodice appears to have numerous alterations or to have been remade as evidenced at the center back closure where a difference in materials is noticeable and is handstitched together. The shoulder straps are irregular which suggests the dress may have been strapless at one point. The bottom hemline has been taken up as evidenced by the line of soiling noticeable on the interior 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 [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.

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.

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Givenchy Haute Couture Silk Dress, ca. 1958

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