John Galliano PC2001 Bejewelled Bias Cut Dress

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

At the turn of the millennium, John Galliano was at the height of his designer stardom. Having been appointed as creative director of Dior in 1996 - a role he held for some 15 years - the British designers couture presentations, both for his own label and Dior, were held at the highest echelons of the fashion establishment. Alongside his British compatriot, Alexander McQueen, the two represented a long and enduring golden era of British design dominance.

From that same era, comes this stunning bejewelled dress. As part of the 2001 Pre-Collection, the dress provided direct inspiration for look 2 of his SS2001 Couture collection for Dior, where the diamantés had been replaced by jagged oversized white stitching, and the panels with leather. Design elements often overlapped between the two labels; for SS2001 Ready-to-Wear, he even went so far as to present nearly the exact same collection for both, logos and all.

The dress itself is cut on the bias - a technique praised for creating fluidity of line, and one that Galliano championed since his SS1986 “Fallen Angels” collection. Throughout the 90s and 00s, his eponymous collections and those he created for Christian Dior were filled with slinky satin-backed crepe slips, frilled chiffon fluted gowns, and flawless diagonal seams snaking around the hips, all the result of the technique. Anna Wintour, a long time supporter of Galliano’s, proclaimed: “The bias-cut slip dress is really a symbol of what women wore at night in the 90s, and that was John, completely John.”

Accentuating these lines, diamantés shine brightly throughout and elegantly follow the curves and contours of the body. As they trail to the hem, the dress flares and drapes effortlessly as a result of the bias cut fabric. Where the diamantés intersect in the body, subtle panels of navy fabric contrast the otherwise black base. The straps are likewise bejewelled, securing the dress to the wearer.

This incredibly special and opulent dress was sold exclusively for Milan’s 10 Corso Como. It is a rare and excellent example of John Galliano’s utmost talent for dressmaking.

Made in France.

68% Acetate, 32% Viscose

Condition: Like new

SIZE & FIT:

Size: 36

Fit: Narrow in the shoulders, with a petite, figure-hugging body and flowy hem. Best suited for an XS - S.

Measurements:

• Chest Width: 40cm

• Waist: 33cm

• Hip: 37cm

• Hem: 101cm

• Length: 144.5cm

• Strap: 12.5cm

All measurements are taken with the garment laid flat.