Lot 52 – Lilac Column Gown

This Catherine Walker gown started out life as a very shiny pale pink ballgown and went on to be remodeled into a streamlined, elegant lilac crepe column. It raised nearly $52,000.

The original gown comprised a straight-waisted, full skirted ballgown shape in a heavy, pale pink duchesse satin, joined to the bodice by a ruched self-cummerbund. The gorgeous bodice was closely embroidered and overbeaded with pearls in a floral pattern reminiscent of a Jackie Kennedy Givenchy gown worn to Versailles.

The new version as sold at the auction kept the bodice, which had been upcycled into a back-fastening bolero jacket worn over a lilac silk crepe empire waisted slim-silhouette column with a back kick slit. Both gowns were stately enough to justify wearing the Spencer tiara with the freshwater pearl collar necklace, however the pink gown had the Elvis pearl drop earrings and the lilac had the pearl drops with the diamond cluster posts, and both were accessorized with a silver clutch, and presumably the same silver arch strap shoes.

Replicas from top left by Alana Bennett (dual views), the late Axelle Marion. From bottom left: Sheilah Craft, Betty Herr, Hike Dugan, Stacey of S 'n' E Shoes, Wild Orchid Studio.

I have the Alana Bennett version, which she kindly made in a particularly clever way that delivers both gowns using an embroidered brocade for the top. There are two skirts, a cummerbund and a jackety style bolero, so both looks are easily achieved. I also have Axelle's which is true to the design of the recycled version, with a centre-front seam and beaded bolero over a mauve crepe skirt. I usually decry having duplicates, but in this case, I cannot part with either.

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

1. Gown with two skirts, bolero and satin cummerbund

2. Spencer tiara

3. Freshwater pearl necklace

4. Silver arch strap evening shoes

5. Silver clutch bag

6. Diamond cluster pearl drop earrings (have enough Elvis ones!)

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