Dior, Christian. (1905–1957)
1954 Winter Collection - Signed Program
Signed program from the presentation of Christian Dior's Paris Winter Collection in the presence of H.R.H. Princess Margaret at Blenheim Palace on November 3, 1954. Dior has signed ("Xian Dior") in blue ink to a clear area of the front cover. Folio. Heavy diagonal crease at the right, light overall creasing, minor staining and age wear. Together with a second unsigned folio program for the same event. 10 x 13.5 inches (25 x 34 cm).The stylish Princess Margaret had been a devotee of Christian Dior from the launch of his New Look in 1947, when a private viewing of his collection was held for the Royal family at the French embassy of London. Dior also admired Margaret, describing her as "a real fairy-tale princess, delicate, graceful, exquisite." Princess Margaret's many Dior dresses included the iconic, very fairy-tale-like white ballgown which she wore in her 21st birthday portrait by Cecil Beaton. The 1954 fashion show at Blenheim Palace was a memorable event, with Dior presenting 100 couture pieces on 13 models, before 1,600 guests. According to The Daily Telegraph’s correspondent, 'Paris came to Blenheim by air and rail with… a cloud of Dior perfume. Oxfordshire came by car, through rural scenes heavy with the scent of wood smoke and autumn leaves. The two met in the halls of the first stately home to stage a dress show.’ The Telegraph also reported on Princess Margaret’s outfit: 'a black velvet afternoon dress with fitted waist and full skirt, a mink cape, and a tiny black hat encircled with white fur.’ (16577)
Signed Document/Item Art & Design