1950's Sophie of Saks Chiffon and Lace Evening Dress

"Sophie of Saks" label. Sophie Gimbel was the head custom designer at Saks Fifth Avenue Salon Moderne. She was so highly regarded as one of the top custom designers that in 1947 she was the first American designer to appear on the cover of Time magazine. During the 50's she also designed ready-to-wear for Saks, this line carried the label "Sophie Originals". This exquisite dress is most likely from the late 1940's, possibly 1950. It is made of silk chiffon, silk crepe, and hand made silk lace. The dress has a loose-fitting illusion style bodice with the gorgeous lace overlay. The under portion is a strapless fitted silk crepe with a band of pink/nude crepe along the top edge. The skirt of the under dress is surprisingly slimmer fitting, as the top silk chiffon layer is extremely full, using yards of chiffon. The waist is fitted, and the skirt has pin-tucks about 1" deep from waist, with bursts of chiffon billowing out at the ends, cascading down to hem. The silk crepe underskirt is done in two layers, a black silk crepe with a top layer of silk chiffon. The dress fastens with back metal zipper. The dress is in flawless condition, the only thing that looks possibly tampered with is the inside lining to the strapless under bodice. Size medium. Measures 16" shoulder to shoulder edge, 38" bust, 29" waist, 38" hips, 16" shoulder to waist, and 28" waist to hem. For a larger view click here. For a side view click here. For a back view click here. For a view of the bodice click here. Lovely!

Item #WGMB

Size: Medium 38" 29" 38"

1960's Geoffrey Beene Chic Little Dress

"Geoffrey Beene Boutique" label. Beene studied design in Paris, and also New York where he worked for Samuel Winston, Harmay and Teal Traina. He started his own line in 1963, to huge success. Within a year he won the first of 3 Coty awards, and also the Neiman-Marcus fashion award. Here we have a design that combines the youthful baby-doll look with beautiful sophisticated tailoring and dramatic fabric. The fabric is probably a wool and silk blend and is in white and navy blue faille, with a wide navy center panel front and back, with solid navy borders on sleeves and ascot to match. The dress is fitted, with semi-full skirt. The neckline is actually a scarf or ascot that folds over and ties at side. The dress comes with original belt. Bodice is lined in navy cotton. Dress fastens with back nylon zipper. In very good condition, has been shortened from original length, may have been taken in at waist, and has had zipper replacement. No stains or damage. Presents beautifully and very clean. Size small. Measures 15 1/2" shoulder to shoulder seam, 19" sleeve, 34" bust, 26" waist, free hips, 15" shoulder to waist seam, 20" waist to hem. For a larger view click here. For a side view click here. For a back view click here.

Item #WGEO

Size: Small 34" 26" free hips

1960's Tina Leser Cotton Print Gown with Matching Shawl

"A Tina Leser Original" label. One of our most famous American sportswear designers of the mid-century. From the late 1960's, a full length cotton print dress with matching shawl in a bandana or calico print. The print a lace and leaves print in mint and white. There is very nice contrasting border prints on straps, borders and inset waist band. The matching shawl is trimmed in hand crocheted lace. This is no run-of-the-mill cotton maxi dress. This is a beautifully designed and constructed dress. The bodice is lined in white cotton, the skirt in a semi-sheer cotton. There is an attached underskirt that has a generous band of hand crocheted lace, to peak out from the skirt. Nice touch. The dress is fitted through the bodice, and through the waist. The skirt is pleated and semi-full. The dress fastens with back nylon zipper, with a wide placket under the waist that fastens over the zipper and hides it. The lining and the attached slip make the dress a bit heavy - probably intended for cooler climates of summer, or spring. In pristine condition. Size  small. Measures 34" bust, 26" waist, free hips, 16" top of strap to waist band, 41 1/2" waist to hem. For a larger view click here. For a side view click here. For a back view click here.

Item #WLSR

Size: Small/Tall  34" 26" free hips

Price: $148.00/shipping

1950's Ann Fogarty Tailored Wool/Angora Dress

"Ann Fogarty" label, late 1950's. Jet black wool and angora blend day dress with lovely tailoring. The bodice has a sort of modified surplice neckline with strategic darting for shape. Fitted, with semi-full skirt with expertly done shirring just at sides of waist for just a little fullness. There is an original attached self belt that is cord style. The dress is lined in silk and fastens with back metal zipper. In excellent condition. Really elegant. Nice enough for evening wear. Size small-medium. Measures 15 3/4" shoulder to shoulder seam, 36" bust, 27" waist, 37" hips, 16" shoulder to waist, 26 1/2" waist to hem. For a larger view click here. For a side view click here. For a back view click here.

Item #WFOG

Size: Small-medium 36" 27" 37"

Price: $98.00/shipping