Balenciaga Printed Day Dress and Jacket, 1950-60s

This ensemble was made for and worn by Elizabeth Parke Firestone (1897-1990).Born to a prominent Illinois family and wife of tire magnate Harvey Firestone, Elizabeth Parke Firestone cultivated a fashion sense so refined as to earn her recognition among the "Best Dressed Women in the World." She travelled extensively, collaborating with the foremost European couturiers on made-to-order versions of runway pieces. A faithful couture client, she corresponded regularly with Dior, and Balenciaga kept a mannequin made to her measurements. Many of her fashions now reside in the collection of the Henry Ford Foundation.
Light blue silk twill short sleeve day dress with white scribbled square print, scoop neckline and wrap style skirt with right side zipper and front waist snap closures; paired with matching cropped wrap front half sleeve jacket with rolled collar, button and snaps closures, a separate blue silk skirt slip, and three self fabric belts, two backed with white leather.
Label: Balenciaga (Jacket only, the dress does not have a label)
Size Label: N/A
Style/Serial No.: N/A

Approximate Measurements:
JACKET
Shoulders: 14"
Chest: 37"
Waist: 28"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 14.5"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 22"
Belt 1: 28.5" L x 1" W
Belt 2: 29" L x 1" W
Belt 3: 47.75" L x 1" W

DRESS
Shoulders: 14"
Chest: 36"
Waist: 25.5"
Hips: 35"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 39"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 14.25"

SLIP
Waist: 24"
Hips: 33"
Length (side waist band to hem): 24.5"
Property from the Collection of a Midwest University

Condition:The overall condition is good structurally with the following:Structural Issues: The underarm seams where the sleeves, bodice, and gussets meet show wear and though not separated, are wearing. One of the leather back belts is brittle, has several cracks, and is separating from the fabric front. The second leather backed belt is cracked at the buckle and is becoming brittle. Split/Separated Seams: The right side seam of the inner wrap skirt has loosened stitches and possibly missing some stitches. Fading/Color Change: The dress has some very faint lightening along the shoulders. The jacket has some extensive light damage running along both shoulders, across the neckline and down each sleeve. The fabric tie belt is heavily light damaged along the back. There is some faint discoloration/fading throughout the skirt slip. Soiling/Spots: There is a small soiled spot on the front left jacket near the hemline. The dress has some light soiled spots on the front neckline near the center.Repairs/Alterations: The front waist snaps are attached with two different thread colors which may indicate reattachment. Everything is sold 'As Is'. The stated overall condition of the lot is based on the assumption that the wear is consistent with age and use. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. All other condition issues are stated above. To request additional working condition photos, please email couturecr@hindmanauctions.com with the lot number. Condition is a matter of opinion of the evaluator and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Clients must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction.