Continued thanks to Ian (this blog’s appointed Gown Guru)
The Pearl Rope Gown (Lot 29 in catalogue., also on Love, Life And Feelings album sleeve and tour programme 1976)
Designed by Doug Darnell for Dame Shirley’s tour in 1973. A beautiful peppermint green sequinned gown, with halterneck and a scooped back with strands of imitation pearls, graduating in size.
Dame Shirley wore this gown for her 1973 UK tour. (see the video below)
This is my own personal favourite of all the gowns and would look as good a design today!
Again, we would love to hear from whoever bought this gown at auction, and know what became of it.”
Christie’s Description & Notes
A dramatic stage gown by Douglas Darnell, the fitted bodice and peppermint green silk chiffon ground encrusted with pale green iridescent sequins, the halterneck and scooped back edged with strands of imitation pearls graduating in size from the imitation emerald jewelled clasp at the base of the neck, the back elaborately embellished with fifteen additional strands of imitation pearls graduating in size from neck to lower back and cascading from the clasp in a decorative cage effect, the skirt with flowing train lined in silver silk tissue; and a corresponding pair of stiletto heeled sandals customised by Darnell, stamped on the insole Hand Made By Peppino Vasso and with the retailer’s name F. Pinet.
Weight of gown: approx. 2kg.
She wore the gown for the cover shoot of various albums including: Love, Life And Feelings, 1976, Twenty Greatest Hits and Let Me Sing And I’m Happy.
Final Price
£4,500
Images displayed with kind permission of Christies Images Ltd. © 2002
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