• The twin of this set walked the runway for the Fall 2007 show for Look 43. He repeated the same design through the upper bodice for Look 18 and we have included a photo of that look here for reference.
• It was made under the creative direction of John Galliano
• In the book 'Dior Catwalk' they note that the Collection "managed to translate the intricate Japanese inspired references and techniques of Galliano's previous Haute Couture show for ready-to-wear, from origami folding and gravity defying pleats to elegant draping, tiered skirts, striking headpieces and bright colors." Women's Wear Daily hailed the collection as "a brilliant blockbuster, a glorious celebration of the grand and glamorous."
• Once worn together, you get the feel of a full length dress, but it is a two piece set with its original belt included. Both pieces are made out of a dusky purple hammered silk that has incredible drape.
• The top slips on and zips to close at the back. The shoulders are soft and the sleeves are cut long and on a curve to follow the shape of the arm. Each sleeve is cut a little longer than a normal sleeve so that when they are on the body they bunch up along your arm just slightly. This was a Galliano signature. There are no traditional armhole seams. Instead, they just curve outward from the body of the top and there are gusseted seams underneath. These are all extra steps that you rarely see anymore in the construction of arm holes and sleeves.
• The neckline comes in a shallow V and then all of the silk is gathered up and into the intricate fold at the front and this is where you see the references outlined in the book quote above. 
• The set comes with its original hand dyed snakeskin belt that you use to cinch in the waist. It is meant to sit over the top of that incredible front fold to create the look that he showed on the runway. The buckle of the belt is finished in deep purple rhinestones.
• The skirt that goes under the top is equally as incredible. It skims over the hips and there is an extra panel of fabric that puddles and drapes down one side from just below the hip and runs all the way to the floor. Under that panel is an incredibly high slit that goes all the way up to the top of the thigh. The skirt flares out as it nears the floor and the hem has a touch of an asymmetrical feel to it with the side with the panel falling longer past the hem than where it starts on the inside portion of the slit.
• On the runway you can see the high slit as the model moves and this skirt has that same detail.
• This is an exceptionally rare set especially since it comes with its original belt.
• The top slips on with a hidden set short zipper at the back of the neck. The belt has a rhinestone encrusted buckle and the skirt closes with a side hidden set zipper. There is a teeny bit of lift on the edges and wear marks on the belt that are minor and if I hold the skirt up to the light I see a tiny bit of stress marks under the waist seam of the skirt but it does not show at all otherwise. I am being very picky. Both pieces otherwise appear to have been worn very little if at all.
• Both pieces are tagged a vintage Dior FR40, GB12, IT44, US8
• Excellent condition

Top
Sleeves: approx 26-27" and are 12" around the upper arm
Shoulders: no true defined seam
Bust: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bottom seam: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Total length: 20.5" from neck to hem

Skirt
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Total length: 49" from waist to the shortest part of the hem, 54" to the longest
Slit: 36.5" from the shortest part of the hem up

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD5167

Reference Photos: Fall 2007 Christian Dior, Look 43 & 18. 

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