Spring 1983 Christian Dior by Marc Bohan Haute Couture Black Sequin Bustier Top & Ivory Skirt Set

I think the skirt might be older, maybe 1950s and the top is an unlabeled piece of Dior. It’s very hard to tell with couture and the women could have had the skirt made at the same time. They go very well together and they were stored together from the estate I purchased them from so I have decided to keep them together. The woman’s estate was chock full of Dior, Valentino and other couture designers. Both pieces are amazing examples of hand made couture of the highest quality.

The top is a beautifully constructed bustier made of layers of silk and boning. The pattern on it combines large silver dots and a wide belt that is actually a part of the top and made out of sequins to give the illusion of a belt. Each dot is formed by hand applying a cluster of silver sequin that are strung along silver metallic thread. Each sequin is then topped with a little clear bead. The belt is made from tightly spaced rows of white sequins and silver glass tube beads that wrap around the waist to the front and then extend out into the belt end through a beaded buckle. The inner construction is marvellous. It is all lined and formed to sit perfectly on the body. Under the sequinned belt the inner fabric extends down so that it can be tucked into the skirt in the proper couture manner of construction. The skirt is made entirely of a fine lightweight silk with a honeycomb pattern woven through it. In person it is more of a white then how it photoed. It has a defined waist that buttons at the front and the band is set to dip and curve under the buttons. The main portion of the skirt is set into the waist  with soft gathers all the way around to give it the wonderful fullness that you see. It has a built in inner crinoline and the shape and fullness that you see is from that. You could add an additional crinoline under it and make it even fuller.  It has a very wide deep hem. Excellent condition with a note to review below for the bustier

The bustier has a full interior boned corset. The exterior layer is silk with the sequins and beads hand applied. The interior corset and the exterior layer each close with a hidden & hand set painted metal zipper. Interior waist stay with hook and eye closure. There is some fabric loss and sequin loss on each side under the arm area. Please see the photos after the inner tag and inner seam detail shots. The skirt closes at the front with silk covered buttons at the waist and is lined with silk organza. 

Bustier
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 11.5" from top to hem

Skirt
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 35.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# E596

Reference photo: Spring 1983 Christian Dior Haute Couture.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.