Outfit designed by John Galliano for Christian Dior for the Autumn/Winter 1997/98 ready-to-wear collections in Paris.

The House of Dior, established in 1946, is one of the most famous fashion houses of the 20th century. Christian Dior (1905 - 1957) was known for his feminine shapes of rounded shoulders, cinched waists, and shapely bustlines and hips. Dior's 'New Look' launched in 1947 was hailed as revolutionary with its feminine style harking back to earlier times. In 1997 Christian Dior recaptured some of its former magic with the arrival of English designer John Galliano as chief designer. Galliano presented his debut collection in March 1997 and was instantly labelled the new 'darling' of the Paris catwalks. This outfit is from Galliano's first pret-a-porter for Christain Dior and reflects the year's chinoiserie themes.

Dress, shoes and accessories made for Christian Dior for the Autumn/Winter 1997/98 pret-a-porter collections.

Date of manufacture is 1997

Worn on 17 November by a model at the announcement of the designers for the 1997 Fashion of the Year project. (socks not worn)
Direct from Christian Dior Boutique in Paris.

Dress, and sandals (pair), dress jewellery (4 pieces) socks (1 pair) , womens, silk / metal / leather / perspex, designed by John Galliano for Christian Dior, made in France / [Italy], 1997.

Dress, cheongsam style, red silk damask, fully lined in red satin, long sleeves, mandarin collar, cross over front with spherical faux gold button closures down proper left side to hip, ankle length with L-shaped lower half and side split. Decorated with strings of faux gold beading on collar. Size [10/12], labelled: 'Christian Dior / BOUTIQUE / PARIS'.

Sandals, of red suede and perspex, with suede covered wedge/platform heel, upper features small suede strap with bow on big toe, wide clear perspex strap across vamp, and suede ankle ties. Size 11 1/2, labelled: 'Christian Dior / PARIS', made in Italy stamped on sole.

Necklace, three strands of round, faux gold beads, joined together by diamante clasp. Gold bead droplets hanging from the centre of each strand.

Brooch, cross shaped with each arm of the cross consisting of a row of round faux gold beads. Hinged pin at back.
Brooch, cross shaped, with each arm of the cross consisting of a row of round faux gold beads. Hinged pin at back.
Brooch, cross shaped with each arm of the cross consisting of a row of round faux gold beads. 3 loose strands of round gold beads hanging from the bottom of the cross. Hinged pin at back.

Socks, pair, ankle length, pearly white shiny synthetic knit fabric, printed with makers mark

Designed: Christian Dior; Paris, France

Designed: Galliano, John; Paris, France

Made: Christian Dior; Paris, France; 1997

Made: Galliano, John; Paris, France; 1997


Owned: Christian Dior; Paris, France

Used: 1997

Dress, Inside centre back, white fabric label, machine embroidered in black 'Christian Dior / BOUTIQUE / PARIS'. Below this a white fabric label with printed inscription 'Christian Dior / Collection... / Style/Modele.... / Size/Taille.... / Colour/Couleur...'

Sandals, on sock, red leather label with gold lettering "Christian/Dior/Paris". Stamped on sole, 'MADE / IN / ITALY' and 'SIZE 11 1/2'

Socks, Under instep, printed in black 'Christian Dior / PARIS NEW YORK / [illeg.]'

97/302/1