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Lot 42
Lot 42
1960s-1990s - Douglas Darnell |
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A fabulous stage ensemble by Douglas Darnell
comprising: a sleeveless Catsuit of natural coloured chiffon applied with lace,
lavishly embellished with Swarovski aquamarine, topaz and aurora borealis
crystals, turquoise teardrop beads, imitation pearls and vari-shaped and
coloured sequins, the lower legs additionally encrusted with beads and sequins
in an exotic floral pattern, lined in gold silk tissue; a matching short-sleeved
coat-dress, the corresponding ornate bodice attached to a full skirt of layered
sparkling eau-de-nil voile piped with gold silk tissue; a voluminous turquoise
stage coat, densely embroidered with translucent iridescent sequins and trimmed
at the cuffs, hem and flowing train with a deep border of turquoise ostrich
feathers, lined in gold silk tissue; and a corresponding pair of stiletto heeled
shoes customised by Darnell, stamped on the insole Peppino Vasso Hand Made and
with the retailer's name F. Pinet
Weight of catsuit and coat-dress: approx. 3.5kg.
This catsuit was worn by Dame Shirley on many occasions throughout her career
from the 1960s until recently. The legs were originally flared and the hems
trimmed with turquoise ostrich feathers. These were removed by Darnell some time
later and the trouser legs were straightened, the corresponding coat included in
this lot was designed at the time of the trouser leg alterations.
The photograph illustrated on the frontispiece of the catalogue is taken from
the inside gatefold sleeve of the 1971 album Something
Else. The catsuit was also worn by Dame Shirley during the Talk Of The Town
shows, April, 1970 and is featured on various album covers from the 1960s and
1970s including: Diamonds Are Forever:
Pieces of Dreams;
Star Des Bal Pare '70;
Love Story Por Su and The Shirley Bassey Collection. Dame Shirley also wore
both the catsuit and the stage coat during her 60th Birthday Concert at Althorp
Park, July, 1997.
Dame Shirley told us that she loves this outfit.
£6,000
Images displayed with kind permission of Christies Images Ltd. © 2002
)