perfect little dress from the beloved John Galliano years at the Christian Dior house, specifically Fall 2009 where, coming off the financial crisis of 2008, the designer sent down a somewhat subdued collection, steeped in 1920s and 30s references, his favourite era to mine for inspiration (and a time not unfamiliar to financial crisis).

the dress didn't walk the runway that collection, though similar styles with that same silk trim did. it did however walk in a separate event, the 60th Anniversary of the Weizmann Institute of Sciences, co-hosted by the CEO of Dior, where choice pieces from that season were shown as part of the entertainment it seems. walked with a belt, which ours does not have, though it does have discreet belt loops to accommodate one if desired.

the dress has a 1930s feel, with short, rounded cap sleeves and a fitted but demure cut ending at the knee. it's incredibly flattering thanks to Galliano's masterful hand and quite sexy despite its sweet nature. the bodice is accented by a silk trim with the tiniest blue flowers which runs around the neckline and down the front, finished off by a series of covered buttons. there is visible cross-stitching at the trim, another delicate accent that adds to the visual interest of a simple dress and makes it shine. made of flat wool in a deep red with a sumptuous red silk satin lining.

made in France. 100% wool and 100% silk lining. marked US 4 FR 36, best fits XS or US 0-2. shown here on US 0 mannequin with 32" bust 23.5" waist and 33.5" hips.

• bust: 34"
• waist: 26"
• hips: 34"
• length: 39"