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Lot 44
Lot 44
1963 - Douglas Darnell |
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A striking stage ensemble comprising: a gown by
Douglas Darnell, the white lace ground embroidered overall with clusters of
Swarovski aurora borealis loch rosen crystals, translucent sequins, turquoise
beads and drops, the tulip skirt slit diagonally to the hip, the scalloped edges
of the slit and hem additionally decorated with a wave design of graduated gold
pearl beads, gold pearl oats and Swarovski margarites; with a matching
voluminous sleeveless coat of white sparkling voile edged with silver beads,
fastening at the shoulder with an elaborate clasp of stylised flowerheads of
turquoise drops and sequins; and a corresponding multi-layered skirt of
turquoise net slit diagonally to the hip, worn over the gown
Weight of gown: approx. 2.5kg.
The photograph illustrated shows Dame Shirley wearing this gown with the
turquoise net overskirt during a performance at her 60th Birthday Concert, 1996,
hence Darnell's nickname for it 'The Birthday Dress', and which he told us is
also one of his favourite creations. The LP cover illustrated
Shirley Stops The Shows, Columbia, 1965, shows
Dame Shirley wearing this dress in its first incarnation as a 'see-through
gown'.
Dame Shirley recalls that this gown was the first she had which was almost
completely see-through:
DSB: This is the first see-through gown I had
DD: It isn't see-through anymore
CW:...Where did the inspiration for this come from?
DSB:...It was my first husband Kenneth Hume's idea to have a see- through gown,
and I said "No, my God" and he said "Yes, Talk of the Town's your first
night"... and he spoke with Doug and between them they came up with this..
DD: It was lace...white lace
DSB: Just lace
DD: Unbelievable
DSB: My husband had a light [put on] behind me ...which I didn't know ...and
when the light came on I heard the audience go....Huuuuuuuuh ..[intake of
breath]...and I go [to myself]...what...what happened? Did I come out of my
dress or something...
CW: Has that ever happened?
DSB: That has happened [giggles]
£2,600
Images displayed with kind permission of Christies Images Ltd. © 2002
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