Dior (Marc Bohan)
Evening dress
White silk organza, plastic pailletes
1964, France
Gift of Jane Holzer, 81.250.15
Marc Bohan’s early work for Dior possessed a youthfulness that attracted women such as Jane Holzer, who needed sophisticated but modern formalwear. This evening dress, with its low décolletage, sleeveless bodice, and knee-length skirt, was designed to enhance the slender young figures of this new clientele. Bohan also took a fresh approach to Dior’s traditional use of beadwork by including shiny paillettes that further highlight the daring neckline.
RIGHT:
Emilio Pucci
Dress
Multicolor cotton and lycra
Circa 1966, Italy
Gift of Jane Holzer, 80.181.3
Vogue’s Diana Vreeland once called Jane Holzer “the most contemporary girl I know.” This Emilio Pucci ensemble underscores Holzer’s up-to-the-minute taste in fashion. Deceptively simple from the front, the back of the dress has a long slit that originally revealed a full-length jumpsuit in a matching print. While the long silhouette is chic and flattering, the jumpsuit added playfulness and practicality. Jane Holzer’s youthful energy fit perfectly with the vitality of Pucci.