Drecoll Dress, 1910s

"The house of Drécoll was founded in 1896 by Christof von Drécoll in Vienna, Austria where he designed fashions for the Imperial family of Austria. In 1902, a couture house was opened in Paris and run by Monsieur and Madame Besancon de Wagner. Their daughter Maggie Rouff was a talented designer, working for the house first and then later managing the business with her husband Pierre beginning in 1929. Eventually, the house merged with the House of Beer and then in 1931 they merged with the House of Agnes, closing in 1963." - Text from the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Red and black stripe silk velvet dress with short sleeves, hip panel, long skirt, and center back extended skirt panel. The neckline and sleeve hem are trimmed with cream lace. The dress is closed with a self fabric belt and decorative buttons down the center front. The interior waistband is made of a stiffened ribbon and features the designer label.
Label: Drecoll / 4 Place del Opera / Paris

Approximate Measurements:
Chest: 32"
Waist: 24"
Hips: 30"
Length (underarm to hem): 51"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 22"

Deaccessioned by the Valentine Museum to benefit collections care, preservation, and future acquisitions.

This lot is located in Chicago.

Condition:

The overall condition is poor with some splitting in the fabric around the neckline and several split seams in the bodice and skirt. Much of the sewing around the waistline is brittle and fragile.

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 [email protected] 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.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Timothy Long

Director, Senior Specialist, Couture & Luxury Accessories

[email protected]312.334.4222

Mr. Long has nearly 20 years of experience as a curator of fashion and decorative arts in museums including the Museum of London, the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and the Chicago History Museum. At Hindman, he works with individual clients, collectors, dealers, and museums to bring to auction collections of couture and luxury accessories. Mr. Long’s recent publications include Charles James: Designer in Detail and a chapter on the same designer in London Couture: British Luxury 1923–1975, both published by V&A Publishing.

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Drecoll Dress, 1910s

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