Outstanding Vintage Designer 1950s Blue and Gold Cocktail Dress - New!

$590.00 AUD
$590.00 AUD
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SKU

                     


Measurements

Size: Small

Dress

Bust: 34 inches + 86 cm

Waist: 26  inches + 66 cm

Hips: Open

Bodice Length from Outside Shoulder: 14.5  inches + 37 cm (measured on mannequin from shoulder)

Overall Length from Outside Shoulder: 42  inches + 107 cm (measured on mannequin from shoulder)

Zipper Length: 16  inches + 41 cm

Hem Allowancer: None

Seam Allowance:  Unseen

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

 

Description

* Vintage late 1950s commercially manufactured designer dress

* Silk organza fabric with blue, gold and white stripes

* Sleeveless bodice with blue silk organza shelf bust

* Gold gathered peaked cummerbund from under bust to waist

* Wide, very full skirt with horizontal pattern

* Low back with side metal zipper 

 * Fully lined with a heavy net petticoat plus a white taffeta petticoat

 * Bodice is also fully lined and boned

* Label reads Jean Allen London

Jean Allen was a quality fashion label operating in London from the 1950s to the early 1980s. The driving force behind the label was Jean Parry-Billings, a prolific British dress designer, whose work spanned well over two decades. The label was worn widely across London and the greater UK by the up-and-coming younger set.

Having learnt her craft from older cousin Peggy Allen, Jean established her fashion label ‘Jean Allen’ as an homage to her tutor, who remained involved with its inception until her own retirement, leaving Jean to drive the design side alone. With her husband looking after the financial side of the label, Jean Allen clothing was soon enjoying demand in excess of 1500 garments per week. The label could always be found in high-end stores such as Peter Jones, House of Fraser and Harrods, while her affordable cocktail dresses were a brand leader throughout the period. With particular emphasis on fabric quality, Jean frequented numerous Paris and Rome fashion shows to merge the latest designs with her choice of materials, thereby striking a delicate balance of style and substance, a rarity in many quarters of the British fashion scene at the time.

Releasing up to eight collections a year, Jean Allen also enjoyed overseas success, consistently exporting to Europe and North America as demand continued to soar, and as a fan of Italian fashion house Balenciaga, Jean’s opulence was showcased in her personal life, as she enjoyed fast cars and large sprawling estates across the British countryside. Sadly, after her husband and business partner Kenneth died in the mid 1980s, Jean reluctantly chose to wind down the label, before spending the rest of her years in relative seclusion. (courtesy of Barefoot Vintage, UK).

 

Condition 

Excellent vintage condition.

No notable flaws - Fabulous condition for its age.

Please note that these are vintage items that have had a previous life, so minor signs of wear are almost inevitable. These signs could include previous alterations, repairs, frays, minor stitch defects or small marks. But please, don't expect the item to be in pristine unworn condition - unless otherwise stated.

We endeavour to show or describe obvious imperfections on each listing to assist in making an informed purchase.  You are welcome to ask any questions regarding sizing or condition prior to any purchase. We assure you of a prompt reply, including a re-assessment along with additional photography if required.

Comment 

A high-quality and truly sophisticated gown.

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

This item was not pinned to the dress form.

 

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 2-4 days of payment. Should a circumstance arise where we are unable to post within this timeframe (eg 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 :)

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.