Strauss & co - Chris Levin

76 56 56 A collection of designs for South African opera singer, Mimi Coertse’s various gala events comprising six watercolour paintings depicting a black slip dress in chiffon and coque feathers, signed and dated ‘75; an olive green pure silk chiffon gala gown and scarf, signed and dated ‘75; a silver and grey gown with coloured jewel tulle jacket, signed and dated ‘76; a richly embroided gold lace gown, signed and dated ‘76; a chocolate- to-cream pure silk chiffon gown and sweeping cape, signed and dated ‘76 and a cream and gold Russian inspired two piece, signed and dated ‘78 (6) 1975–1978 sheet size: 27 by 18,5 cm each R1 000–2 000 57 An assortment of daywear and evening gown designs from 1970 to 1986 comprising fourteen pencil sketches of items designed for private clients, each signed and dated with their respective dates (14) 1970–1986 sheet sizes vary R1 000–1 500 notes These drawings are examples of the first step in the design process. The clients, after approving the designs, had to stand for their first ‘toile’fitting to establish a template of their body shape, the designs were then turned into patterns before finally putting scissors to fabric. After this, invariably, three or four further fittings would take place until the garment was complete. 57