Object Title: Dior Women's Fuax Zebra Coat
Artist: Frédéric Castet for Christian Dior
Date: c. 1960s-1970s
Medium: Calfskin / Silk / Black Fur
Description:
This faux zebra skin coat was designed in Paris by the House of
Dior in the early 1970s, under the direction of furrier
Frédéric Castet. Made from printed calfskin with a silk lining, the
coat exemplifies the House of Dior’s innovative approach to
outerwear during a time of creative experimentation in luxury
fashion. It highlights the growing fascination with exoticism in
this era an aesthetic shift influenced by increasingly accessible
global travel and an expanding awareness of non-western styles and
culture. This coat also reflects shifting societal attitudes toward
fur. While once a symbol of status and luxury, by the 1970s fur had
become subject to criticism due to rising ethical concerns and
changing fashion values. In response, designers experimented with
“fun furs” and alternatives that aligned with the playful
irreverence of youth fashion. By using printed calfskin to mimic
exotic fur, the design challenges traditional associations between
fur and status, opening the door for future generations of designers
to explore ethical alternatives that still convey drama, sensuality,
and prestige.
Cultural Significance:
This coat represents a significant shift in the way fur and faux fur
were perceived and used in high fashion during the late 1960s and
early 1970s. No longer just a symbol of status or wealth, fur
garments during this period became expressive of individuality and
aesthetic boldness. The coat exemplifies a moment in fashion when
women began reclaiming clothing as a form of empowerment rather than
conformity. The dramatic silhouette, animal print, and couture
origins suggest confidence and individuality over demure elegance.