The Shrimpton Couture Archives

Lauren, this is the Dior that I have. It is from spring 1973 and I've included all of the reference photos that we have found for it and variations of it that were made. I've added a video where I went through the actual flaws. The skirt is actually quite strong and sturdy except for one area that has a small tear. The ribbon is very aged feeling. The bodice of the top is obviously where most of the flaws are. Judging by the runway photos, at one time there was an attached second layer on the bodice that would have had ruffles. based on the shape of the bodice it was most likely version that had the higher neck or in hindsight looking back, we might've put it on the mannequin backwards actually and the V was at the front and it is the twin of the runway one. 

I actually bought this originally as an option for my own wedding dress thinking that I might be able to have it restored, but I didn't have anyone I felt confident enough in to do it properly so it just been stored carefully since. I feel like it would be a bit of a lovely end of the story if Dior could actually do something to make this work for you. And I also think it fits the Met theme perfectly.

I actually paid quite a bit for it because it is Dior couture. The price that is here is what I paid for it and then the cost that I've accrued in shipping, taxes storage etc. It was always my intention to have it restored or redone, and then it would obviously increase dramatically in value, but I honestly would love to see this be done properly by Dior and that to me is more important!!!

I have not put all the measurements because in theory, you are going to have this redone by Dior anyway and it is your sizer very close. I feel like it's the exact exact damage now but huge, huge huge potential piece that you described wanting..

Reference Photos: (1-4) Spring 1973 Dior Haute Couture.  /  (5) 1973 Dior Couture, photographed by F. Schiebe.  /  (6) Spring 1973 Dior Croquis.  /  (7) Credit unknown.