Lot 49 – Tablier Gown

Lot 49 – Black Velvet and White Taffeta Tablier Gown

This Murray Arbeid gown wasn’t initially a top choice to copy. While it requires very simple fabrics in both colour and type, I think many struggled with the design until someone thought to simply drape the tablier (as in the gown’s name) over the skirt, rather than try to embed it. Also, it wasn’t initially always recognized as Diana didn’t wear the matching bolero jacket on all its outings.

It raised just over $24,000 and is a very pretty ballgown. It’s another gown that didn’t get a lot of interest from collectors until they were nearing the end of their quest to acquire the whole catalogue.

The gown comprises a strapless black velvet bodice that hangs down over the skirt in a “tablier” shape (kind of a French school or apron-like smock) creating a stark contrast against the shining white taffeta. The skirt is a full gathered ballgown shape and is multi-season by removing the black velvet bolero.

Again, Diana accessorized it differently as was her habit. On a visit to a fanmakers’ guild, she added an ostrich plumed fan to her fabulous sapphire and pearl choker, elbow length evening gloves, a diamond tennis bracelet and what could be costume pearl earrings. On another occasion, she substituted her freshwater pearl necklace, her long pearl drop earrings and was bare-armed with only her engagement ring. but made sure to add her own touch of mismatched black and red opera gloves. Her regular accessories were black shoes, nylons and an evening clutch, but at times, Diana wore a black velvet ribbon choker with a centred diamanté bee brooch and her Butler & Wilson black and crystal angel drop earrings. When she instead wore her Butler & Wilson “order brooch,” she instead used crystal earclips.

Replicas from top left by Georgia (?) 2 views, Betsy O’Donnell. Middle from left: Alana Bennett, liskivano (eBay seller), Bea Doll Boutique 2 views, Bottom from left by Tommie Peacock 2 views, Stacey of S ‘n’ E Shoes 2 views.

As an outfit for the FM vinyl doll, I would be happiest to see it include…(and if I seem greedy, remember it’s a wishlist):

1. Gown w/ bolero

2. Spencer tiara

3. Sapphire choker

4. White satin shoes

5. Elbow length black gloves (for days too hot for a jacket)

6. Black clutch bag

7. Sapphire double drop earrings

8. White ostrich plume fan

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