Lot 51 – Navy Awards Gown

This Catherine Walker showstopping gown has not been attempted as far as I can find by anyone other than the Franklin Mint’s Princess of Style porcelain portrait doll, which remains the definitive example of Lot 51. It raised nearly $37,000 and was worn to a fashion awards event in New York where Diana presented her friend, Liz Tiberus with an award.

Lots of fashion features in this one and the most difficult part of copying for once isn’t the fabric, which is a French navy blue silk charmeuse sleeveless column gown. The neckline is rimmed with rouleaux of satin backed crepe, which are sewn together to form straps that rise over the shoulders to the back, where they cross, then split back into separate strands and anchored to the gown’s backline. It is very formfitting (or “bodyskimming” as Catherine Walker liked to call her design style) and falls to the floor. The back hem allows a kick pleat to allow walking, which is fortunate, as the slim skirt would hobble otherwise.

The dearth of doll photos this time gives me free reign to indulge myself in different photo angles. The sole replica of which I’m aware is the Franklin Mint porcelain “Princess of Style” (left.)

As an outfit for the FM vinyl doll, I would be happiest to see it include:

1. Gown

2. Sapphire and pearl choker

3. Double drop sapphire earrings

4. Navy evening clutch

5. Navy evening shoes

6. Navy hose

7. Matching bracelet set

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