"Venus"

Christian Dior|House of Dior

fall/winter 1949–50 · silk, sequins, rhinestones, simulated pearls · Costume Institute

Amidst the silvery spumelike net resembling sea foam, pearlescent shell-shaped scallops pronounce Venus risen from the waters. But Dior has not only evoked the story of Venus; he has also created an ideal of beauty. The sparkling splendor of such a garment is the dream of a ball gown. For Dior, fantasy was both marvelous and ideal. He strove to make an archetypal evening gown, but he was also creating the confections for the great postwar theme balls.

Artist

Christian Dior|House of Dior

Date

fall/winter 1949–50

Medium

silk, sequins, rhinestones, simulated pearls

Culture

French

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Gift of Mrs. Byron C. Foy, 1953