Collection Online

Top and skirt
1999 {Surrealist collection, spring-summer 1999}

Medium
acetate, viscose (crepe, satin, plain), rhinestones, metal, enamel and nylon (fastenings)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of Krystyna Campbell-Pretty AM and Family through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gift Program, 2024
Gallery location
Level 3, NGV International
 

About this work

In a Dior press release, John Galliano explained his 1999 collection as ‘the mood [being] surrealistic, in the way that Dalí and Cocteau understood it – witty and startling at times but always romantic’. He also cited the influence of photographers Angus McBean and Man Ray. The genderplay in the collection, which saw female models play male roles, was based on what the designer described as Salvador Dalí and his wife Gala’s ‘power play for sexual dominance’.

Artwork Details

Medium
acetate, viscose (crepe, satin, plain), rhinestones, metal, enamel and nylon (fastenings)
Measurements
(a) 60.0 cm (centre back) 36.0 cm (waist, flat) (top)
(b) 118.0 cm (centre back) 39.0 cm (waist, flat) (skirt)
Place/s of Execution
France
Inscription
(b) label, left seamline, woven in black on white acetate: Christian Dior / HAUTE COUTURE / PARIS
Accession Number
2024.1056
Department
International Fashion and Textiles
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of Krystyna Campbell-Pretty AM and Family through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gift Program, 2024
Gallery location
Level 3, NGV International