Live Auction 7859Vintage Couture
A CHRISTIAN DIOR MUSTARD WOOL DAY DRESS
Lot 25 FROM THE WARDROBE OF MRS ORATOR FRANK WOODWARD III

A CHRISTIAN DIOR MUSTARD WOOL DAY DRESS

1947-48

Closed29 November 2012

Price Realised

GBP 4,000

Considering selling a similar item?

Discover its value with a complimentary estimate from our specialists.

More Information

How to sell

A CHRISTIAN DIOR MUSTARD WOOL DAY DRESS
1947-48
With three-quarter length turn-up sleeves, the bodice with three buttons, the skirts full, with pockets to the hips
Labelled CHRISTIAN DIOR PARIS in black to white silk, with couture number '4782' to linen tag

Note from the Vendor regarding Lots 25, 35-38, 42 and 48: :

My mother, Mrs. Orator Frank Woodward III (Nadya) had a wonderful, fascinating,and elegant life. She was born in Pleven, Bulgaria and attended the Sorbonne University in Paris to study International Law, where she met my father, Dr. Norberto Angones, who was a diplomat representing Cuba in the Cuban Embassy in Paris. They fell in love and were married. She was famously beautiful, very intelligent, and extremely chic her entire life.

After the death of my father in 1962, she eventually married Orator Frank Woodward III, an heir to the Jello fortune. She lived during an era of great sophistication and glamour, which she personified.

Specialist note

The owner has always believed this dress to be called Bonheur. Bonheur formed part of Dior's first collection in 1947, entitled 'La Corolle' but christened 'New Look' by Carmel Snow. The design was originally realised in pale pink taffeta, rather than mustard yellow and it is possible that this piece was commissioned by the owner in this specific fabric and colourway.

It certainly recalls models such as 'Diorama' in its full skirts and tightly moulded bodice, but it also resembles models such as 'Mysotis', a coat dress in pale blue silk from two years later.