JAMIE LEE CURTIS - 1983 ACADEMY AWARD MARLENE DIETRICH BEADED EVENING DRESS

A fully beaded-ivory-cocktail-length-dress worn by Jamie Lee Curtis at the 55th Academy Awards ceremony (ABC, 1983).
Hollywood glamour defines this garment, composed of an ivory chiffon, fully embellished with pearlized-glass-bugle-beads, which catch and glisten in the light. The dress is cut on the bias; the dolman sleeves create a loose bodice (34" inch bust); the waistline (24.5" inches) is gathered and cinched; and the skirt is open and hits below the knee. The garment construction features center seams at the front and back of the bodice. The beading is sewn on the diagonal, creating a subtle chevron pattern on the bodice. Two darts extend from the waist to the bust, which creates a defined V-shape, creating a diamond shape that extends the length of the bodice. The fabric looks like it was cut with a pattern then beaded and assembled. Only the skirt is handsewn and lined with blush-colored acetate at the internal waistline. A Petersham is tacked at the waistband to help shape the garment due to the weight of the embellishment. There is no label or size marker present. 
The dress was worn by Jamie Lee Curtis to the 55th Academy Awards. She presented the Oscar for Best Sound Effects Editing alongside Carl Weathers. Weathers, who presented with Curtis, commented on how lovely her dress was before presenting the award. Marlene Dietrich originally owned the gown and wore a similar version in the 1942 film
The Lady Is Willing 
(Columbia Pictures, 1942), Dietrich's gowns were designed by Irene Lantz, whose clothing line was featured in premier retailers and department stores.
 
PROVENANCE Lot 8 "Unforgettable: Fashion of the Oscars," Christie's Auction House (Sale #9074) March 19, 1999.