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Lot 11
Lot 11
1960s and 1980s - Douglas Darnell And Another |
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Please note that the black chiffon evening gown
in this lot worn by Shirley Bassey on the occasion of HRH The Prince of Wales'
31st Birthday Concert was made by Sara Perceval.
A twinkling stage gown by Douglas Darnell, the
black silk chiffon ground encrusted with black sequins, with exceptionally
low-cut back [now without butterfly adornment] and sweetheart neckline, the bias
cut skirt with flowing train lined in silver silk tissue; and
- a long-sleeved evening gown of black chiffon applied overall with faceted
imitation jet drops and bugle beads, the straight skirt split centrally to the
knee at the front, the padded shoulders, plunging neckline, central panel and
hem embroidered with imitation jet beads in a floral motif, with thin belt to
the waist similarly embroidered and decorated with black bead tassels
terminating in imitation jet drops
(2)
The album cover illustrated shows the black sequin gown in its original
incarnation as 'The Butterfly'. Dame Shirley wore it for numerous stage
appearances and it can also be seen in the BBC footage of Live At The Talk Of
The Town, 1972. Dame Shirley told us that her fans were particularly fond of
this dress when it had the crystal butterfly in place and used to call out
asking "Where's the butterfly" if she went on stage in another gown, to which
she responded: "It's flown away".
The photograph illustrated shows Dame Shirley wearing the beaded chiffon gown
included in this lot on the occasion of HRH The Prince of Wales' 31st Birthday
Concert, 15th November, 1979. It is also featured on the covers of the 1984
single Sometimes and the programme for
Blazers Nightclub, May, 1984.
Photograph courtesy of PA Photos and Pickwick Records.
£3,500
Images displayed with kind permission of Christies Images Ltd. © 2002
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