Avengers (The) (TV)

An original costume used in the production of The Avengers, the cult 1960s television series starring Patrick Macnee and Diana Rigg.

This evening gown was worn on screen by Diana Rigg as Emma Peel in the series four episode Honey for the Prince broadcast in March 1966. It is arguably the casting combination of Macnee and Rigg which remains the most iconic of the series with the new heroine forging a place in popular culture, an educated master of martial arts, attractive, sexually confident and flirtatious she was desired by men and served as a role model to women in an era where empowered female leads were not commonplace. A key element to the new character was the stylish contemporary outfits worn by her throughout the series, fashion editor Anne Trehearne was hired as a consultant and approached designer John Bates who became responsible for much of the memorable wardrobe worn by Rigg in series four. Since 1959 Bates had designed under the alias Jean Varon and it was this name which would become synonymous with the series, Bates' designs coupled with the success of The Avengers on both sides of the Atlantic propelled him in to the mainstream and he licensed them for retail sale, marketed as The Jean Varon Avengers Collection his designs garnered extensive media coverage appearing in major newspapers and magazines including Vogue where they were worn by noted English model Jean Shrimpton.

This ivory coloured sleeveless evening gown with matching stole can be seen worn by Rigg from the beginning of the episode as she returns from the party with Steed, the floral guipure lace bust accessorised with a large bow above the waist were both features of the designers earlier work with the latter becoming a signature feature on many later creations. To the interior the gown retains its original Jean Varon label which is printed with the series logo and the unique costume can be conclusively matched to the one worn on screen by the intricate floral detail. 

As his popularity grew Diana Rigg modelled for designer John Bates in to the 1970s, he remains an important name in British fashion and one who is widely credited with the popularisation and shortening of the miniskirt with much of his success attributable to his work on The Avengers. The pairing of Patrick Macnee and Diana Rigg remains one of the great on screen partnerships of cult British television and this represents an extraordinarily rare and fine example of principal character wardrobe from this highly regarded series.

In fine vintage condition throughout.