Measurements

Size: Extra Small

Top

Bust: 32 -34 inches + 81.3 - 85 cm (please note hooks and eyes can be moved)

Waist: 24 - 25 inches + 61 - 63.5 cm

Bodice Length at Longest Point: 13.5 inches + 34. 25 cm (top of bust to hem)

Hem Length : none just pinked

Note: Measurements are taken from outside, flat and stretched from seam to seam. This is the maximum size allowable, so please consider individual fit and comfort.

Description

* Vintage 1950s black rayon top

* Classic bustier silhouette

* The top is strapless with a sweetheart neckline

* Shelf bust at the front

* Bust is pleated and made of satin fabric which extends to back

* Fully boned at front, sides and back

* Fastens at back with hooks and eyes

* Pinked seams and unlined

* Label reads: Howard Greer, Beverly Hills

Howard Greer
Howard Greer began his fashion career in 1916 working as a sketch artist for Lucile Ltd, and later for Paul Poiret and Molyneux in France. Subsequent to his return to the US in 1921, Greer was hired as chief designer for the Famous Players Lasky Studios, which eventually merged with other production companies to form Paramount Pictures. Here he worked on many of the studio's major films, his work attracting huge interest and accolades.

Although Greer's illustrious career in movie costume design continued until the late 1950s, in December 1927 he established his own couture fashion house in Hollywood. He was the first major costume designer to do so, producing exclusive custom gowns solely for the major stars. These included Pola Negri, Mary Pickford, Greta Garbo, Ingrid Bergman, Jane Russell, Katharine Hepburn, Shirley Temple and Ginger Rogers. However, his clientele quickly expanded to include society women and their daughters once the quality of his salon’s workmanship became apparent.

Greer established his ready-to-wear line in 1947 resulting in his clothing being sold across the US and entrenching his reputation as one of America's top-tier costume designers. Greer's speciality was designing cocktail and dinner dresses featuring stunning necklines. Black was his preferred colour preference, frequently complementing it with a range of pinks for contrast ). This piece is a stunning example of his signature work.

Condition

Excellent vintage condition.

No notable flaws that I can see. Please note that the bustier is not lined. Probably meant to go under a jacket etc. But it works extremely well on its own as you can see.

Please note that these are vintage items that have been used and loved over the years, As such, they may display slight evidence of their age. Any notable flaws will be highlighted.

Comment

Howard Greer items pop up rarely. This top is a stunning example of his work, as well as being in his signature colour. I should imagine it will be a very versatile item to have in one's wardrobe!

The listing is for the top only and does not include any other accessories that may have been photographed with the item.

This item has not been pinned to the dress form.

Shop Policies

COVID-19

Unfortunately, the pandemic has resulted in a backlog of parcels worldwide. Our local Postal Service continues to operate at increased capacity and assures us that packages will arrive at their destination, albeit with a noticeably longer timeframe.

We now offer an alternate express delivery service via DHL for those of you who want your packages more expediently. This option is currently delivering packages within a seven-day timeframe from pick-up.

Postage
We make every effort to post your item within 1-3 days of payment. Should a circumstance arise where we are unable to post within this timeframe (eg we are away at a fair) we will contact you immediately. Please note that our postage charges are based on standard international and domestic air packages - all with tracking. If you want to upgrade to express postage or require insurance, please contact us prior to checkout and we will adjust the rates accordingly.

Currently, standard packages within Australia are taking 4 to 6 business days from receipt of the package at the Post Office. However, there may be exceptions due to the impact of COVID-19.

Availability
This item is within our selling stock. In the unlikely event that two buyers purchase this item concurrently, payment will be immediately refunded to the latter purchaser. We apologize in advance should this rare circumstance arise.

Postage
We make every effort to post your item within 1-3 days of payment. Should a circumstance arise where we are unable to post within this timeframe (eg we are away at a fair) we will contact you immediately. Please note that our postage charges are based on standard international and domestic air packages - all with tracking. If you want to upgrade to express postage or require insurance, please contact us prior to checkout and we will adjust the rates accordingly.

Currently, standard packages within Australia are taking 4 to 6 business days from receipt of the package at the Post Office. However, there may be exceptions due to the impact of COVID-19.

LayBys/Layaways
Yes we do offer flexible layby/layaway options and are open to negotiation as to the time period. Obviously, the more expensive the item the longer the time you will have to finalise payment. Contact us to see how accommodating we can be :)

Alterations
Obviously, as these are one-off pieces, the fit may not be quite what you need. To this end, we also offer an alteration service by professional seamstresses. Please shoot us an email outlining what you want and we will quickly respond with a quote and timeframe. Costs are kept to a minimum for this service.

Special Orders
If you are looking for something that you don't currently find in our shop - let us know we may be able to help you with a special listing!

Photography
Our photos are taken with a mix of studio and ambient lighting. Whilst we take care with the colour balance of our photos, individual computer monitors register colours differently depending on their calibration. If you want the exact colour shade drop us a line and we will give you the Universal Pantone colours that match the item.

Vintage 1950s Designer Black Bustier Top- NEW!