Vintage 1950s Bronze and Gold Designer Jean Allen Dress- New!

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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

Overall Length from Outside Shoulder: 41 inches + 104 cm

Zipper Length: 14 inches + 36 cm

Hem Allowance: 1 inch + 2.5 cm

Seam Allowance: None

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 cocktail dress commercially made

* Fabric features alternate stripes bronze (wider) and gold (narrow)

* Bodice has a sweetheart neckline bordered with a self-fabric trim

* Waist slopes from underbust at front to below waist at rear

* Self-bow under bust

* Full skirt with horizontal panelling at front and vertical at back

* Intricate trim placement where skirt meets bodice

* Label reads Jean Allen

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

No notable flaws - Great condition for its age - very minor cracking to gold stripes in some areas

Please note that these are vintage items with 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 before any purchase. We assure you of a prompt reply, including additional photography if required.

Comment

A high-quality and intricately cut dress.

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.

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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.

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