An important Pierre Balmain ball gown and matching evening coat, Autumn/Winter 1955, labelled and indistinctly numbered, the boned, strapless bodice with ruched folds of ivory satin emphasising the curves of the breast in contrast to the tiny, fitted waist and enormous satin skirt with five internal layers of silk, tulle and horsehair petticoats, embroidered and appliquéd overall with scattered bunches of violets, the petals formed from organza florets in shades of purple silk, degradé ribbons, studded with emerald and amethyst pastes, with green silk embroidered foliage, bust 82cm, 34in, waist 59cm, 23in; the matching coat labelled and faintly numbered 24 418, of palest lavender satin lined with ivory satin, voluminously cut, the broad curved collar similarly embellished with larger bouquets of violets more densely grouped which also cascade down the front of the coat where the ivory panels join with the lavender satin, (2) This gown reflects the post war desire for luxury and romance in dress with the use of metres of the finest satin, further embellished with the cheerful and optimistic little flower - the violet. In 1955 Dior also produced a violet embroidered organza gown which he named `Avril'.

good condition, the zip in the dress needs to be re-sewn at rear waist - minor, there is a small hole in one of the tulle layers, 1.4cm grease mark on front of skirt (hardly noticeable), on the reverse side of the skirt there are small faint brown marks behind some of the embroidered motifs which are noticeable on the outside) Coat has tiny marks at front right hem (barely noticeable), seam at right underarm needs re-stitching approx 1cm, seams on sleeves have been let out slightly around the cuff area, few pieces of metal strip are loose and need re-couching on the collar