Measurements

Size: Small

Jacket
Bust: 36 inches + 91 cm

Waist: 28 inches + 71 cm

Sleeve Length: 24.5 inches + 62 cm

Bodice Length from Outside Shoulder: 16 inches + 41 cm

Skirt

Waist: 28 inches + 71 cm

Hips: 40 inches + 102 cm

Length: 29 inches + 74 cm

Hem: 4 inches + 10 cm

Note: Measurements are taken from outside, flat and stretched seam to seam. Please allow for individual fit and comfort.

Description

* Stylish 1950s designer custom made suit

* Fabric is wool in a b&w herringbone pattern

* Classic silhouette with cinched waist and a-line skirt

* Battle style jacket with collar and shoulder pads, front opening and tag pulls at sides

* Jacket has long sleeves with turnover cuffs

* Skirt has unique flap from centre seam that conceals pockets

* Fully lined jacket, partially lined skirt, hand sewn hem

* Label reads Hattie Carnegie Custom Made

Hattie Carnegie

Hattie Carnegie led a fashion empire that set the pace of American fashion for over three decades. Although she could not sew herself, she did have the foresight to garner talented people. Many of the designers who worked for Hattie Carnegie emerged as important designers and arbiters of style in their own right. Pauline Potter (later Baroness Philippe de Rothschild), Norman Norell, Claire McCardell, James Galanos, Jean Louis, and Travis Banton - all began their careers under the direction of Carnegie. Acting as the great arbitor of style and taste, Carnegie brought out the best of each designers’ talents. Her regular clientele included many of America’s most prominent socialites along with Hollywood and Broadway stars. Clients included the Duchess of Windsor, Barbara Hutton, Clare Booth Luce, Constance Bennett, Tallulah Bankhead, Joan Crawford, Gertrude Lawrence, and Norma Shearer. Her most recognised fashion line was the “Carnegie suit.”

Hattie Carnegie Custom Label
The Custom Salon was considered to be the heart of the Hattie Carnegie business. In fact, made-to-order fashion was the line that launched her label. Her focus was to interpret European style for the American consumer, but the sense of dress she chose to champion was not contained within the minutiae of design. It was rather an approach to fashion that emphasised consummate polish in every outfit.

Condition

Impeccably tailored suit, typical of a bespoke piece from a high-end label. I have listed this suit as 1950s rather than later because of some interesting features: the earlier label, the type of talon zipper used and the slight padding on the shoulders. It could even be earlier. It is interesting to note that Carnegie was commissioned to design the Womens Army Corps' uniforms during WW2, for which she was presented with the highest civilian award for service. This suit is undoubtedly influenced by that commission which included a cropped battle jacket in both Summer and Winter styles. Here is an opportunity to purchase an unusual and rare suit from an important American designer. It also happens to be in excellent condition. Cleaned and ready to wear. Please drop us a line if your require additional information about this listing.

Shop Policies

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 apologise 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.

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.

Designer 1950s Hattie Carnegie B&W Herringbone Wool Suit- New!