'I am assisted by the photographs or drawings published in the papers which often present me with an entirely new light on my creations,' said Christian Dior, though I'm not quite sure what he'd have made of this blog post. But here goes....
Always up for a new experience, this week, That's Not My Age tries couture on for size. Currently on seaside location, chez old college friend, S, an avid hoarder of vintage porcelain, collector of general bric-a-brac, stunning host and fabulous tour guide. It's like the Antiques Roadshow with alcohol. So far we've eaten our way around the county, visited Old Harry Rocks and tasted some Dorset Knob (a local bread-based delicacy). I've also tried out all the beauty products in the bathroom, but that's between you and me.
So, last night after a glass of Rioja, S casually uncovered an old 1955 Christian Dior evening dress. Dior in Dorset. Who knew? One of my favourite fashion exhibitons ever, was The Golden Age of Couture at the V&A. Splendid. It obviously had a greater affect on my companion than I realised - she's gone couture crazy. And, even though this floor-length gown is priceless, delicate and custom-made for someone else, I had to try it on:
Easier said than done. The big full skirt with layers of net petticoats and intricate hook & eye detail slipped on quite easily but the bodice with its tiny waist and narrow sleeves was a different proposition.
Fortunately, S didn't mind playing Upstairs, Downstairs, and eventually, with the assistance of a loyal maid, That's Not My Age was adorned in couture. Blimey, it can't have been easy in the olden days - I could barely move and this without a corset! I'd forgotten how nostalgic some of Dior's designs were. Totally turn of the twentieth century. People, this is NOT casual glamour.
Dior also said, ' Couture is the marriage of design and material. There are many instances of perfect harmony - and there are a few of disaster.'
What do you think of my New Look? Perfect harmony or disaster?
Dior photo: V&A Museum
18 comments:
What a gorgeous gown! It's impossible to tell from the pictures that it wasn't a perfect fit.
Oh perfection! I'm swooning.
It looks like frock perfection to me. I adore the elegant neckline.
Oh my goodness. You look simply stunning in that dress. What a find. And what an amazing mini adventure getting into it.
Your Dorset tour guide sounds fabulous!
Ree
x
http://reallyree.blogspot.com
It looks very glam,but waist and sleeves look tiny.Quite envious you fitted into it.I would never have been able to squeeze my weight lifters arms into it.
Wow what a beautiful dress. How amazing must you have felt to put it on. It looks great on you. Sounds like you are having a great time in Dorset. Xxxx
that is a beautiful gown! You looked marvelous! I loved the neckline, very sexy and the drape and fall of the bottom of that gown was breathtaking!
Stunning gown! Oh I'd be wearing this to dinner every night if I owned it!
Mind you, I think I would only be able to get one thigh in - that waist is WEENY!
Gorgeous - you lucky thing to get to try that on ;-)
Ali x
一棵樹除非在春天開了花，否則難望在秋天結果。..................................................
An absolut inspiration.Love, love it.
Un abrazo
sacramento
Stunning! There's a great old book (can't remember the name) about a charwoman who dreams of owning a couture gown and she scrimps for years until she can afford one and goes to Paris to purchase the perfect dress. You must look it up!
xoxo
Oh my, it's beautiful.
I'm partial to a bit of Dorset knob myself! Especially with a bit of Blue Vinny ;-)
You do look fab in the dress - is it for sale?!
x
Thanks for the lovely comments, glad you're enjoying yourself but I'll be adding the spa products to your bill!
Gorgeous gown - what a teeny tiny waist! xx
http://www.weshopthereforeweare.co.uk/
How fascinating, what a lovely gown, so elegant Bx P.S. so glad you were careful with the spelling of that Dorset bread
That is stunning!! I especially love the neckline - so elegant.
Wow! You couldn't have worn that more beautifully if you ask me.
What a lovely time of year to be visiting Dorset. I was in Evershot recently to help my lovely man's parents with some chores, and ended up shoveling a huge pile of fertiliser in the rain. Lots of manure; no couture. Your trip sounds nicer.
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