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Lot 38
Lot 38
1960s - Douglas Darnell |
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Goldfinger - a twinkling stage gown by Douglas
Darnell, the natural-coloured silk chiffon ground densely embroidered overall
with gold beads in vermicular pattern, loosely gathered at the waist [lacking
belt], the hem richly embellished with a deep band of bronze beads, Swarovski
topaz crystals, imitation pearls and gold balls
Weight: approx. 2.5kg.
The photograph illustrated shows Dame Shirley dancing with her second husband,
Sergio Novak, during a party for the 1971 Royal Film Performance at the Odeon,
Leicester Square, London, 8th March.
When discussing this gown Dame Shirley and Darnell's recollections differed as
to whether, in it's current form, it was a remake of an earlier gown:
DSB:...That's the 'Big Spender' dress
DD: No. It [the Big Spender dress] had diamonds under the boobs ending in a
buckle
DSB: It was changed into this
DD: No no no...this was a private gown and you walked on stage at the Empire
Leicester Square with this on to sing the theme song to 'Goldfinger' at the
première in 1964...there's a topaz belt that goes with that [gown] ....these are
solid 9 carat gold beads, that's why they never go black...
Photograph courtesy of Harry Myers/Rex Features.
£3,300
Images displayed with kind permission of Christies Images Ltd. © 2002