• The twin of this dress walked the runway for the Fall 1984 collection
• It was made under the creative direction of Marc Bohan.
• It is also the exact dress that was worn by Krysta Rodriguez in 2023
• This is a beautiful example of the work being produced by Christian Dior in this time period.
• In the book Dior; Catwalk, the notes on the fall collection state that the collection was placed 'under the sign of opposites' and that he had looked to the work of Abstract Expressionist painter Jackson Pollock for inspiration. Pieces were adorned in drip embroidery and motifs and then he did a series of long sheath dresses that were 'accessorized with 'Pollock jewels" in jet and multi colour stones'.
• We found several photos of the twin of this dress on the runway which shows you how fabulous it is on the body.
• The dress is a true Haute Couture piece and has the appropriate numbered label intact. It would have been made completely by hand in the Paris atelier.
• The dress is made out of a soft textured silk velvet in a jet black. Using a velvet that has this added texture to it is an incredible choice as the dress catches the light in different ways as you move and it really makes it come to life.
• The cut is simple and sleek with a low front neckline that dips from an angle created over each shoulder. It slightly curves down to the centre and then the fabric is softly gathered from there to the waist.
• This leaves it with a slightly bloused over feel over the the nipped in waist.
• The sleeves are cut long and they slim down as they reach the wrists. There is a slight volume built in at the outer part of each shoulder. On the inside I see hand made silk cases that at one time had light padding in them but the padding has been removed at some point to give it a softer shape. You could easily have some padding put back in if you wanted a stronger shoulder.
• Inside the bodice is a more fitted and boned inner silk corseted piece that holds you in place while the silk velvet simply drapes softly over that outside.
• The skirt is cut to feel sleek and simple as it falls to the floor narrowing in slightly as it reaches the hem. A vent runs up the back so that you can walk.
• It is a beautiful and dramatic piece despite its simple lines. 
• Fully lined in a black silk and it has a built in bodice made of black silk. The inner bodice is boned and closes with its own zipper. The exterior dress closes with a back painted metal zipper. Each sleeve has a zipper at the cuff. Tagged with the Couture #19469. Silk hand made pads that have no padding inside each shoulder as described above. I see some small flaws to the silk on either side of the zipper on the inner corset. Please see the photo after the label shot. 
• There is no size tag present because it is true Couture. Please see the measurements below.
• Excellent condition

Sleeves: 24.5" and they are 12" around the upper arm
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from shoulder to waist
Total length: 58.5" from waist to hem with 2.5" turned under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5624

Reference Photos: (1-3) Fall 1984 Christian Dior Couture Runway.  /  (4) Fall 1984 Christian Dior Couture, credit unknown.  /  (5-7) Krysta Rodriguez, in this dress, for the opening of Bad Cinderella on Broadway, March 2023.

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