Demi Longueur

The English translation of the French words "demi longueur" is half length, it's a term which was popular in the mid-century salons and runways of Paris.

One of the many introductions in the 1950's fashion parade was the ballerina length dresses and gowns that Dior made famous. Dior specifically used the phrase "Demi Longueur" to refer to this longer hem line.

Madam Alexander was quick to incorporate this length into her costuming for Cissy, as shown in this article written by Bruce Allen de Armond.

There are several other terms used for this signature length and there are slight differences in the term of “tea-gown,” “3/4 length” and “ballerina length” . . .  however, overall, "demi longueur" is the one featured in the numerous dresses and gowns made for “Cissy” from 1955 to 1962 by Madame A. 

However, I have wondered if Madame A may have initially been inspired by this beautiful, feminine gown made by Dior in 1947, as she used often tulle to make Cissy's dresses.

Now, do you remember this post, well her hair kept getting tangled and her boots fell apart, so I decided to take a leaf out of Madam A's book and make my Cissy a new outfit . . . my own version of the "demi longueur".

This dress is completely handsewn, including the top stitching on the collar . . .

 

and the pin tucking on the skirt.

I also changed her wig, to a Monique Gold with beautiful ringlet curls. It's still fine hair, but it's more manageable than the one she came with, and as luck would have it, I had a pair of shoes that matched this outfit and which fitted her perfectly.

Sometimes things simply fall into place and now she's redressed, I feel she deserves to keep her original name . . . Cissy!