In 1968, Smithsonian Institution curators considered a large number of items made available by Countess Mona von Bismarck. After Smithsonian curators selected materials, other museums and institutions were able to acquire items for their collections. Mount Mary University in Wisconsin chose couture dresses and suits, 10 pieces of which are now being made available at auction. The designer costumes were never a part of the Smithsonian collections.

Described by Cecil Beaton as an elegant beauty “who represented all that taste and luxury can bring to flower”, Mona von Bismarck (1897-1983) was an American socialite, philanthropist, and fashion icon. Born in Kentucky to an equestrian training family, Mona nimbly climbed the social ladder during the 20th century. Her record boasts high achievements: marriages to some of the richest men in America, eventually becoming a Countess; the accolade of “The Best Dressed Woman in the World”, nominated by the top European couturiers of the time; and the culmination of a portrait of herself, painted by the renowned Surrealist artist Salvador Dalí. Above all, Mona was a true devotee & patron of fashion – and had the couture collection to prove it.

THE FIRST
Tailored top coat in heavyweight cream wool piqué. Double breasted; notch lapels. Full length sleeves with faux button closure at cuffs. Two in-seam pockets at front. Silver-tone metal button closures at front with mother-of-pearl inlays. Slits at hem side seams. Buttoned martingale detail at back of coat. Fully lined in cream silk habotai.

Label: Givenchy
Size Label: Custom Sizing
Style/Serial No.: 45211
Date: 1972
Country of Origin: France

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 15“
Chest: 40“
Waist: 37.5“
Hips: 41“
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 44“
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 28.5“

THE SECOND
Knee length A-line skirt in heavyweight cream wool piqué. Topstitching details throughout. Fully lined in cream silk habotai. Concealed zipper, hook-and-eye, and snap closures at back waist.

Label: Givenchy
Size Label: Custom Sizing
Style/Serial No.: 45218
Date: 1960's-1970's
Country of Origin: France

Approximate Measurements:
Waist: 29“
Hips: 40"
Length (side waist band to hem): 26.5"