This amazing gown was look 46 from the Spring 2004 runway by John Galliano for Christian Dior. It is entirely cut on the bias gown that feels instantly identifiable as a Galliano with its 1930s inspired cut and masterful draping - all Galliano signatures while at Dior. Regardless of his behavior  a few years back, he was undeniably a pivotal designer in our more recent fashion history. He was lauded with awards and honors based on his ability to cut a dress including the British Designer of the Year in 1987, 1994 and 1995 and has recently seen great success once again at the helm of Maison Margiela. In 1997, he shared the British Designer of the Year award with Alexander McQueen, his successor at Givenchy. His years at Dior are still referenced for their high theatricality and drama. In this gown we see some of the best of that and it is truly a spectacular creation. It certainly shows his ability to cut a bias dress and the intricate draping of this gown shows the hand of a master.  All of the panels are entirely cut on the bias in an almost spiral fashion that wrap and curve around the body, leaving parts exposed and parts covered to give the feeling that you could just step out of he dress at any moment. Curved panels of fabric create his signature shaping to the body. The bodice plunges at the front and seems suspended but only a tiny strap at the back leaving the entire back bare. The silk curves around the hips with a trailing bit of silk that flows down the front in an dramatic train with a high slit behind it. The silk itself is a vivid pink with a colorful floral print scattered over its surface. The final result is sexual and tropical and fabulous. Excellent, appears unworn condition.

In her review of the collection for Vogue, Sarah Mower said: "John Galliano didn't go on one of his extensive research trips to come up with the Christian Dior concept for spring; perhaps he just popped across Paris to an exhibition of Marlene Dietrich's clothes that ran this summer. "It was Marlene," explained the designer. "But then I thought, who would she be today? Marianne Faithfull, Janis Joplin, Courtney Love, Patti Smith!" Marlene was clearly behind his opening series of curvy gunmetal satin suits with a forties air; the fox-fur jackets that swanked through the show; and the beautiful bias-cut dresses, in silver or gold lamé tissue, that starred towards the end. In between, Galliano mixed up her influence with tattoo-print body stockings, suits with pieces of corsets and garters dangling from the skirt and jacket hems, and some hip-hop–influenced silk sportswear. There were enough items in the melee to satisfy the faithful: his signature print chiffon dresses, some ultra-sexy swimsuits, and the new twist on the Dior bag (it comes with a fox stole attached to the strap). But anyone looking for Galliano's next great leap forward will have to wait till next season."

The main body and skirt of the dress is fully lined in a pink chiffon and it closes at the side with a hidden set zipper. Note that is is intricately draped and sits on the body just so - it feels very confusing at first so please reference the photos carefully once received to figure out how it goes on. Tagged a US 6, French 38 but the bias cut will allow for a range of sizes. It was extremely hard to measure but seems to be pretty true to size.

Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam - note that it seems to sit low - more on the hip and is not meant to be tightly fitted at the actual waist
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 60" from top of bodice to hem with the panel of fabric at the front extending another 19"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2441

Reference Photo: Christian Dior Spring 2004, Look 46 (Model: Diana Gärtner)

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