1960s Dior Haute Couture Coat Repair Questions

E

Eris

Registered Guest
I have an mid 1960s Christian Dior red wool couture coat (numbered label and all) that is in perfect condition except for the lining. Its a gorgeous coat and eventually I would love to resell it (I purchased it for only $55) and I need some advice on redoing the lining. Should I take pictures of the bad condition lining with the tag in before I have the lining redone in the same material so that it is confirmed that it is original to the coat? Any advice is appreciated!!
 
If the tag is attached to the lining with the original stitches, and the lining is intact, I would leave it alone and sell as is. But if your heart is set on restoration, then definitely take lots of pictures to not only show the lining in it's current condtion, but also to prove the label is original.

Now I know you don't have much in it, but you may well be better off selling as is than in investing in silk lining and paying to have the lining redone well. I say this because I sold 2 early 60s numbered Dior coats just a couple years ago and was surprised at how little interest there was in them then. But times change, and you might do better now. It's just that the 60s are the Marc Bohan years at Dior, and he is not a huge draw.

Love to see pictures if you have the chance

Hollis
 
Perhaps this information could help even more: I can buy the fabric for the lining and since I am an experienced and meticulous seamstress, I can redo the lining correctly on my own. Plus, the lining is unsalvageable and unwearable as is. Should I still replace the lining?
I will definitely take multiple pictures of the current lining with label attached. Thanks for your info Hollis!
 
I would leave the original lining as well. CHances are the coat may sell to a collector rather than a wearer of vintage and a collector will not want a new lining. You could offer in your listing to reline the coat for the buyer for a certain fee on top of the purchase price, but I don't think you will get out the money and time you invest into relining the coat. If however, you do decide to reline the coat you will need to buy the exact same material - which is probably silk crepe or silk satin. Like Hollis said, Dior under Bohan is not as desirable as Dior by Dior or YSL.
 
I'll agree with Hollis and Jonathan.

Can you post photos? I've noticed that the more Mod looking Bohan's tend to do a little better than the early 60s and the later ones.
 
Im so glad that I asked before I started making a new lining. I will take photos of the actual coat soon and post them. From what it looks like, Im thinking mid late 60s (topstitching, seaming, lines of coat). The label on the coat is identical to (except for the number) the 13th label down on the Dior label resource page 'from a 60s coat dress' courtesy of Claire Schaeffer. Once I get pics up you can give me a better idea.
I really appreciate all the help!
 
Here is a pic of the coat. Any input would be great. Let me know if you want any other photos. I have several. As always, thanks for the help!

Lauren
 
With that very broad collar and below the knee length and large patch pockets, that coat is more c. 1974ish. It reminds me of Pat Nixon's Republican cloth coat....
 
I agree with Jonathan on the dating, though I would say it could be as early as 1972/73 (based on my wearing similar in high school and college). As he points out, those big patch pockets as well as the collar put it in the 70s.

And I wouldn't reline it, either, but I think the idea of offering to do it for an additional fee for the buyer is a great idea! This is a "very wearable" coat, in a great color!
 
Thanks for the dating and the lining tips. The more I think about it the better it sounds to just leave the lining option up to the buyer.
I love the colour too! I mainly purchased it because of the colour, well sewn, wearable and that well, I just enjoyed looking at it.
 
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