1950s Brown Dior Suit

Brown wool Christian Dior skirt suit with black velvet neckline inset.

a. Jacket: High hip length jacket with lapel collar and very large curved lapels going into left side assymetrical closing. Very wide lapel stitched or tacked to collar to hold in position. Front and back princess seams (into shoulder at front and armscye at back). Front angled assymetrical closure with six buttons and bound buttonholes. Slanted 1.5" wide welt pockets below waist on left and right front which curve around to side back of jacket. Curved lower front edge.
Vent at center back. Garment shaped at waist giving lower section almost a peplum look.
Long set- in two-piece sleeves with two button/bound buttonhole vents at sleeve edge. Jacket lined with medium brown silk crepe.

b. Skirt: Straight skirt with center front and center back one-inch wide stitched down tuck. Tuck stitched to below thigh at front releasing to free vent below. Front tuck undersection extends to side seam right side seam but not included in side seam. Back tuck stitched to below thigh and released to walking vent. Undersection of back vent extends to left side seam but not included in side seam. Front vent extension stitched into waistline seam. Back vent extension is loose and secured at left waistband with hook and eye.
Set on waistband. Center back closure of four snaps, instead of a zipper, and four hooks and eyes to secure waistband. Unlined and no pockets.

HCT.2013.21.2a-c

This suit was purchased from F&R Lazarus by the donor, Margaret (Penny) Henkel, when she worked at the store as a fashion show coordinator.

Christian Dior

Wool

1950-1959