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DIOR—MARC BOHAN. Archive of original drawings with fabric swatches prepared for an American debutante, Paris, [c.1966], image 1
DIOR—MARC BOHAN. Archive of original drawings with fabric swatches prepared for an American debutante, Paris, [c.1966], image 2
DIOR—MARC BOHAN. Archive of original drawings with fabric swatches prepared for an American debutante, Paris, [c.1966], image 3
DIOR—MARC BOHAN. Archive of original drawings with fabric swatches prepared for an American debutante, Paris, [c.1966], image 4
Lot 6142

DIOR—MARC BOHAN.
Archive of original drawings with fabric swatches prepared for an American debutante, Paris, [c.1966],

17 February 2013, 09:00 PST
Los Angeles

Sold for US$11,875 inc. premium

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DIOR—MARC BOHAN.

Archive of original drawings with fabric swatches prepared for an American debutante, Paris, [c.1966], scattered minor stains but generally excellent condition. Comprises 83 fashion designs, 310 x 210 mm, all on Christian Dior stationery, 24 of which are in pencil, pen and watercolor and the remaining in pencil, all but two with one or more fabric swatches, manuscript descriptive captions and swatches stapled on, about 8 drawings stapled together (showing coat or stole and underlying dress separately), chiefly depicting evening gowns and cocktail dresses but also several coats, daytime dresses and pantsuits. Accompanied by a manuscript letter on Christian Dior stationery reading: "Monsieur Bohan asked me to send you his selection of models ... I hope you like them and that I will have the pleasure of making you some pretty dresses. Hoping to hear from you soon / Agnes."

WONDERFUL SIXTIES ARCHIVE FROM THE HOUSE OF DIOR. This incredibly deluxe portfolio was made for a wealthy girl of 23 or 24, not long after she moved from California to New York City. Marc Bohan joined Dior in 1958 and became creative director in 1960, replacing Yves Saint Laurent when he was called up for military service. He was one of Jackie Kennedy's favored designers. Many of the designs in this portfolio are dated from the winter collections of either 1965/66 or 1966/67. The sixties in general and the late sixties in particular are considered some of the most interesting years in Bohan's career: "During his first decade at Dior, he gained a reputation as a designer who could turn pop fashion into haute couture, keeping the elegance without sacrificing the youthful spirit of the clothes. Bohan designed for Dior many famously elegant ball gowns and evening dresses in exotic fabrics ... his most widely influential collections were in 1966 which featured garments based on the film 'Doctor Zhivago' with full, fur-trimmed coats, swirling calf-length dresses and high boots" (The Fashion Model Directory).
See illustrations on preceding page.

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