Christian Dior x John Galliano Fall 2006 Dress

This black silk chiffon slip dress from Christian Dior’s Fall 2006 collection under John Galliano exemplifies the designer’s romantic, haute couture-infused approach to ready-to-wear. Exquisitely embroidered and embellished with delicate beadwork and fine glass beads, the dress embodies what Vogue described as “artfully tattered and embroidered surfaces” - a tactile expression of Galliano’s fascination with beauty in imperfection. Combining a fluid, sensual silhouette with intricate hand-finished detailing, the piece captures the delicate, hyper-feminine aesthetic that Galliano crafted for Dior’s most devoted clientele, merging decadence with a whisper of decay.

Cut to a slip-dress silhouette, it is ruched, tucked and gathered in places by Galliano's magic fingers so that it forms a frothy, bubble silhouette around the bottom hem that recalls Simone Rocha's later work. The bust is gathered and sheer, lightly held up by thick bra-like straps. Along the left hand side and bottom of the dress, couture-level embellishment sits atop the silk chiffon, forming mesmerising abstract shapes from tonal torn cotton, lace, sequins, tulle, glass beads and ribbonwork. The dress is lined with opaque black silk from below the bust to the bottom hem. It closes under the left arm with dozens of silk-covered buttons and fabric loops.

• Christian Dior by John Galliano • Black silk chiffon • Slip-dress • Bra-like straps • Sheer bust • Extravagant embellishment • Asymmetric hem • Fabric-covered buttons to close • Made in Italy

Fabric: 100% Silk
Embroidery: Glass, Cotton, PVC
Size on Label: UK 12, US 8
Stretch: No
Care: Dry clean only
Condition: Excellent

Length: 122 cm (48 inch)
Bust: 86 cm (34 inch)
Waist: 88 cm (35 inch)
Hips: 92 cm (36 inch)