Mona von Bismarck; Two Givenchy Haute Couture Dresses
In 1968, Smithsonian Institution curators considered a large number of items made available by Countess Mona von Bismarck. After Smithsonian curators selected materials, other museums and institutions were able to acquire items for their collections. Mount Mary University in Wisconsin chose couture dresses and suits, 10 pieces of which are now being made available at auction. The designer costumes were never a part of the Smithsonian collections.
Described by Cecil Beaton as an elegant beauty “who represented all that taste and luxury can bring to flower”, Mona von Bismarck (1897-1983) was an American socialite, philanthropist, and fashion icon. Born in Kentucky to an equestrian training family, Mona nimbly climbed the social ladder during the 20th century. Her record boasts high achievements: marriages to some of the richest men in America, eventually becoming a Countess; the accolade of “The Best Dressed Woman in the World”, nominated by the top European couturiers of the time; and the culmination of a portrait of herself, painted by the renowned Surrealist artist Salvador Dalí. Above all, Mona was a true devotee & patron of fashion – and had the couture collection to prove it.
THE FIRST
Lightly tailored sheath dress in cream wool plain-weave crêpe. Midi length. Round collarless neckline. Wrist length sleeves. Large horizontal piecing details at body of dress with topstitched lapped seams. Zipper closure at back. Fully lined in cream silk.
Label: Unlabeled, attributed to Givenchy
Size Label: Custom Sizing
Date: Late 20th Century
Country of Origin: France
Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 15“
Chest: 39“
Waist: 36.5“
Hips: 40“
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 44“
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 27“
THE SECOND
Lightly tailored sheath dress in canary yellow wool plain-weave crêpe. Midi length. Round collarless neckline. Wrist length sleeves. Decorative topstitching throughout. Zipper closure at back. Fully lined in yellow silk.
Label: Givenchy
Size Label: Custom Sizing
Style/Serial No.: 50781
Date: Late 20th Century
Country of Origin: France
Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 15.5“
Chest: 38"
Waist: 35"
Hips: 41“
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 42“
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 27.5"
Property from Mount Mary University’s Fashion Archive
This lot is located in Chicago.