In 1934, as James's reputation as a dressmaker was growing, his mother arranged for a showing of his collection at Marshall Field and Company, Chicago's socialites "came to see their insouciant young friend, whose hats were thought clever but whose...
Miss Dior (Firm) (designer); Christian Dior, Inc. (designer)
1972
Worn by donor, née Barbara Davis, on the occasion of her marriage to Mr. Thomas F. Frey on December 2, 1972. The dress was purchased in November, 1972 at the Miss Dior boutique in Paris, France.
Dior, Christian (designer); Marshall Field & Company (distributor)
1948
This gown is from the first Dior New York Collection designed by Christian Dior. It should be belted very tightly at the waist with a rust colored belt. Worn by donor, Mrs. William Englehaupt (Dorothy Fuller). Dorothy Fuller's name is synonymous...
Dior, Christian (designer); Christian Dior, Inc. (designer)
1947
Ballerina Maria Tallchief donated this dress, the Museum's only piece from Dior's historic first collection. Tallchief was prima ballerina of the New York City Ballet for eighteen years and later became the artistic director of Chicago's Lyric...
James, Charles, 1906-1978 (designer); Samuel Winston Inc. (manufacturer)
1951
This dress was initially designed as a ready-to-wear dress for production by Samuel Winston. The precisely placed seams allowed the garment to be tailored to the exact measurements of its wearer. Only one other version is known to still exist: ...
James, Charles, 1906-1978 (designer); Samuel Winston Inc. (manufacturer)
1953
This ready-to wear dress was initially designed for and marketed by mass-manufacturer Samuel Winston. The exact number of copies manufactured is unknown, but at least one additional version (in brown and black wool) exists, located in the...