Evening dress, 1958. Silk , silver thread, rhinestones and sequins. Yves Saint Laurent, 1936 - 2008 for Christian Dior, Paris (France). Gift of Mrs. Paul B. Magnuson. 1965.252.
Evening dress of light purple silk faille; bodice is net, embroidered in silver thread, rhinestones and sequins; scoop neckline; elbow-length raglan sleeves; fitted at waist, floor-length, full pleated skirt.
This evening dress was worn by the donor, Mrs. Paul B. Magnuson née Laura C. Thompson.
Curatorial Statement
This evening dress was created by Yves Saint Laurent (1936-2008) for Christian Dior Couture, Paris. Saint Laurent began working for the couturier following a brief stint in fashion school. He took over art direction for the House following Mons. Dior's untimely death in 1957. He remained with the House until 1960.