Vintage 1950s Tuscany Lamb Hat, Muff and Collar

This set is made from golden, plush Tuscany Lamb. It is finished with gold-plated findings and lined with silk velvet…all authentic, vintage 1950s. 

The set consists of three pieces: a beautifully tailored hat, the muff that doubles as a purse and a clip-on collar. Each item appears to have to have never been worn and also appears to have been designed as one of a kind. It was first created over 65 years ago. 



You will find yourself absent-mindedly stroking each piece…savoring the exquisite softness. It is breathtaking; an exciting find. 

Rich, romantic and alluring…there is simply nothing like golden Tuscany Lamb from this era…it is simply not found today.  are no condition issues evident anywhere. 



The condition is pristine and the items appear to never have been worn. There


The beautifully designed hat features a wide, upturned brim. It is lined with satin and faced with silk grosgrain. The hat measures to fit exactly at 22 inches or 56 cm. It was originally designed to sit slightly back off the face. Slightly smaller sizes may wear it tugged low, almost in a cloche style. The crown is 5.5 inches or 14 cm deep. Please refer to the photographs. 

The matching collar is exquisite and lined with silk velvet. It has matching velvet clamps on each end. The collar is therefore designed to clip onto a sweater or 
coat. It may be also be worn twisted up around the neck as seen in the photographs attached. The collar measures a magnificent 41 inches or 104.2 cm in length and is 4 inches or 10 cm wide at the widest point in the middle.

 

The muff is actually also a purse with silk roping for its wristlet. The purse created inside has enough space for a set of keys and an iPhone, plus. It is lined in matching satin. The interior of the zippered purse pouch is lined in contrasting regal purple. The findings appear to be genuine gold-plated. They are beautiful and in strong, glistening condition. The muff-purse is 10.5 inches or 27 cm in length overall. It has a circumference measurement (around) of 25 inches or 63.5 cm. The interior purse opening is generous and also measures 10.5 inches or 27 cm in width. 

The set will truly make an outstanding exhibit for museum display…and of course, will be a treasured acquisition for collectors. Please do remember that if intended for wear, its value is maintained through tender loving care….

1920s Couture Silk Faille Traveling Suit Remains Classic and Glamorous

This authentic 1920s ensemble features stunning design influences from both the Orient as well as the more masculine lines of a tuxedo. It is created from lustrous silk faille and pongee, circa 1927.  

Suit ensembles such as this were often designed for either fashionable automobile or train travel in mind. Skirts were long and silhouettes were sleek yet tailored for ease of movement.

This suit is exceptional. Perfectly tailored and also lined with exquisite silk pongee, the suit’s overall fabric is weighty enough to hang perfectly around the body.  This was not ready-to-wear, but a traveling suit custom created for a particular woman by a talented unknown designer. It is both hand sewn and machine stitched. 

The sleeveless slip styled dress has a delicate, yet strong, pongee bodice edged with lace. Tiny silk strips with snaps, beneath the shoulders, are designed to hold the bra straps well hidden and in place. The silk faille skirt features wide pleated folds on both sides. There is a single pocket in the skirt and two on the jacket, with silk arrowhead reinforcements at each corner. The bodice has 8 snap closures in the front. Please refer to the photographs. Also, please note that we have not pressed the suit nor cleaned the suit in any way. The photographs show some wrinkles in this suit, but to keep from setting any potential stains by the use of ironing, we have photographed this beautiful ensemble without touching any heat to it at all. 

The jacket features a wraparound kimono style with matching faille covered button using loop closures. The collar and sleeves are decorated with ivory top-stitched silk tape pleating, similar to what is used on tuxedos. Often collars were worn pulled up into a standing position around the head, which accentuated the sharp, closely shorn hairstyles that were popular at that time. 

Perhaps this suit was worn three times…. That is how lovely it looks and the only telltale hint of how many times it was worn is from the tiny pinholes in one lapel where the original owner pinned her brooch. 

There are no perspiration marks, but there is a very tiny pinhole under one arm. There is also a very small spot on the back, a tiny spot on the right sleeve as well as several other tiny rust spots on the skirt and jacket. These are not very noticeable in my opinion. The overall condition of both pieces is rated as excellent. The silk is strong and does not show any signs of degradation. 

The hem on the skirt is deep and hand sewn. It measures 6.5 inches or 16.5 cm.
 
This intentionally designed, loose fitting dress has a bust measurement of approximately 36 inches or slightly over 91 cm with flowing, draped waist of 42 inches or 106.5. The faille skirt measures 28 inches or 71 cm in length. The bodice dress measures 47 inches or 119.5 cm from shoulder to bottom of hem. 

The jacket measurements have a bust size of approximately 38 inches or 96.5 cm. The sleeve length is 22.5 inches or 57 cm. The overall jacket length is 29 inches or 73.5 cm. 

How many times have we wished that we could all be wearing such gorgeous clothing from the 1920s era and do so every day? This particular suit would indeed be appropriate wear for special occasions after cleaning and proper restoration by a skilled professional textile conservator. 

Certainly, the ensemble will make a stunning display for exhibition either for public or privately held collections. This is also one of those few truly wearable pieces from this era…again recommended for wear with tender loving care and following a conservationist’s attention. The long term value of this magnificent item depends on its overall condition so that it may be appreciated for generations to come.

A Portfolio: The Gilded Griffin

Original photography & text copyright 2015 J. Henri

     •••• Please use images and text with appropriate citations. ••••

Thank you!

This portfolio has been created to document the images and descriptions used within my online shop. This is where many of the antique and vintage hats, clothing, accessories and fine textiles that have been used in our research are sold. The Gilded Griffin shop supports the work we are doing on written projects about historical fashions and the women’s millinery industries.

If you would like to see more...

simply Google

The Gilded Griffin

for a link to the shop's current location 

or 

go to

http://www.rubylane.com/shop/thegildedgriffin

-------------

Circa 1951 Vintage Hat With Matching Gloves

Bows! 

This is an estate find and it is a rare treat to find a matching set that was obviously carefully chosen as an ensemble by the original owner. This has not been on the market since the set was first purchased about 60 years ago. 

The hat and gloves are perfectly coordinated! 

From the 1950s, this matching set in a color that is unusual and warm. It is the color of hot chocolate with extra cream...or perhaps a steamy latte.

If you are looking for a vintage gift for a 50s vintage clothing enthusiast, this set is recommended and should delight! 

Authentic 1920s Flappers Garters Decorated with Felted Beads and Silk Hand Embroidery

These unmistakable 1920s garters are from the early Roaring Twenties when flappers cut their hair shorter than short and for the first time dared to raise their skirts to expose their knees. And such pretty provocative knees these were, decorated with colorful garters. 

As they used to say back then, garters such as these come along once in a blue moon. 

Certainly, it is all the more wonderful to find a pair that is still attached to their original cardboard backing just as they first sold to their original owner. Or perhaps they simply were stored away and found as what is called "dead stock"...inventory that was lost or never pulled out onto the showroom floor for whatever reason. Regardless of the back story, these garters are most certainly rare and wonderful and they are without a doubt, authentic. 

They were never worn. 

They are designed in vibrant blushing pink against a color best described as green apple. Colors that are bright and simply filled with happy energy! The ruched background is made of early green rayon topped with pink silk satin. 

The decorative wreath design on each is absolutely marvelous because it is created with the most incredibly fine detailing. One almost needs magnification to fully appreciate the handwork. First of all, the tiniest slivers of silk ribbon hand stitched into tiny bows on top of slightly contrasting pink ribbon base. There are six tiny bows that make up each wreath motif, which measures less than 1 inch or 2.5 cm across. Then, colorful beads made from woolen felt are stitched atop the wreath. These loosely resemble fruits. The wreath is then finished with a multitude of colorful silk French knots. 

The garters were made to be worn just above the knee and were truly created during the early 1920s for a rebellious Flapper. Exceptional!

     Original photography & text copyright 2014 J. Henri

     •••• Please use images and text with appropriate citations. ••••

Thank you!

This portfolio has been created to document the images and descriptions used within my online shop. This is where many of the antique and vintage hats, clothing, accessories and fine textiles that have been used in our research are sold. The Gilded Griffin shop supports the work we are doing on written projects about historical fashions and the women’s millinery industries.

If you would like to see more...

simply Google

The Gilded Griffin

for a link to the shop's current location.

-------------

Vintage 1950s Red Velvet Dress Trimmed with Original Owner's Rhinestone Brooch

There is something magical about finding antique or vintage clothing with stories or hints about the original owner. 

This dress has that appeal since its original rhinestone jewelled brooch remains in place from when it was last worn about 6 decades ago.

It is lipstick red and it is quite a beautiful example dating to the late 1950s. 

Made from soft cotton velveteen, the dress drapes beautifully over the figure.

The paneled circle skirt has one pocket on the right side and its length ends just below the knee.

The front of the dress has a dropped princess cut, although the waist is actually centered across the hips. 

Seamstresses and clothing designers, especially, will find it interesting that there are no shoulder seams to  interfere with the bodice's sleek design. The original 1950s embroidered label read Tonny Herbert Original. 

There is no background information about this designer to offer, even though we have spent a goodly amount of time doing the research.

The original rhinestone brooch is original to the dress. It has 14 glistening rhinestones along the bar, including one that caps each end. 

This brilliant dress is entirely authentic and its design features that graceful silhouette which accentuates those unmistakable 1950s curves.  

It will make a magnificent, eye-catching display for museums, especially for 1950s Holiday displays.

Vintage Hat Vintage Hat Vintage Hat.... Oh! What a Great Vintage Hat!

Vintage Hat 

Vintage Hat

Vintage Hat

Oh!

What a Beautiful Vintage Hat!

Asymmetrical design with sharp tilts to one side of the head were ubiquitous millinery silhouettes during the early 1930s. This is an exquisite example dated to 1932.

Masterfully designed, the toque is made from heavenly soft, felted cashmere. Molded over a wooden millinery form, the hat drapes perfectly over the head in secure, comfortable style.

The hat's trim is absolutely exquisite. It is a long drooping pom placed at one side of the face. Each of the long, perfect barbs were selected and trimmed from off a luxurious black ostrich plume. These were gathered into a kind of bouquet, wrapped inside a felted cashmere holder and stitched firmly in place. The result is a drooping pom that gracefully dances in the air. 

The hat is so very soft, that one cannot help but to absent-mindedly stroke it. This is a fine example of what the early 1930s millinery masters created for the fashionable upper class woman. Unfortunately, the millinery label is missing...but the glamour remains.

The Gilded Griffin...Welcome!

This portfolio has been created to document the images and descriptions used within my online shop. This is where many of the antique and vintage hats, clothing, accessories and fine textiles that have been used in our research are sold. The Gilded Griffin shop supports the work we are doing on written projects about historical fashions and the women’s millinery industries.

If you would like to see more...

simply Google

The Gilded Griffin

for a link to the shop's current location.

     Original photography & text copyright 2014 J. Henri

     Please use images and text with appropriate citations.

Thank you!

Vintage Soda Fountain Uniform from the 1940s Decade

Dated to the mid to late 1940s, this wonderful dress with apron is linked to all those romantic movie moments. 

Although the dress is quite pretty, vintage and fashionable...it was originally a waitress' uniform  worn at a soda fountain or roadside deli. Ice cream sundaes, boyfriends, pretty girls, juke boxes and hot rods...all circa 1947.

The two items come from the same estate, although the printed cotton muslin apron could be older since it is hand made. 

The dress is made from quality woven, check patterned cotton. The color is very dark navy blue and white. It is in a sleek, tailored design with a large inset pocket on one hip and a smaller pocket for tips and change.

The mother-of-pearl button are all intact and original to the dress. The v-neckline has a button hole at the back of the dress, at the nape of the neck where a collar or full length apron could be attached. The sleeves are short and puffed. The dress has a length that is well below the knee.

The dress is made by Werner Garments Incorporated at Cincinnati, Ohio. It dates to the 1940s through the label, as the company was known for making nursing and wait staff uniforms.

Vintage Hat. This late 1930s hat has that forward thrusting crown and definitive style that was a favored design silhouette during this time. It is hand woven and made from straw.  The enormous bow is made from moiré taffeta and the hat is banded with black silk netting that is long enough to flutter in the wind.  No, the veiling was not designed to be a full face veil. It was added for textural interest and simply decorative. The hat is held in place with original elastic band on the interior and is faced with a French grosgrain ribbon. There is no millinery label...circa 1939.

Welcome to The Gilded Griffin...a Portfolio of Historical Fashions

This portfolio has been created to document the images & descriptions used within my online shop. This is where many of the antique & vintage hats, clothing, accessories & fine textiles that have been used in our research are sold. The Gilded Griffin shop supports the work we are doing on written projects about historical fashions and the women’s millinery industries.

If you would like to see more...
simply google

The Gilded Griffin

for a link to the shop's current location.

 Thank you!

     Original photography & text copyright 2014 J. Henri.