"Robe Promesse"

Christian Dior|House of Dior

1956–57 · wool · Costume Institute

A great attraction of Dior's feminine silhouette is the juxtaposition of proportion it creates. A full skirt balances a nipped waist or a portrait collar counteracts a fitted bodice in numerous examples of Dior's work. In this cocktail dress, the combination of proportions makes for a classic look from the designer. The dramatic wide neckline sets off an impossibly narrow elongated bodice, which widens with princess seams into a flared skirt. The simplicity of the dress makes it a showpiece for Dior's exacting design equilibrium. This garment, as well as two others (2009.300.367 and 2009.300.368a, b), were given to the Brooklyn Museum collection by one of Dior's former models.

Artist

Christian Dior|House of Dior

Date

1956–57

Medium

wool

Culture

French

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Svetlana K. Lloyd, 1966