1950s Gold Lame Shirtwaister Dress

This is a fine Jean Muir 1960s dress and matching tassel scarf and is without question, the best ensemble from this designer we have ever had in our collection. Early in her career, Muir worked with Liberty fabric and this striking psychedelic silk print could certainly be a Liberty design. It features a riot of bright purple, blue, orange, pink and green tones in a stylised paisley print. Each of the designs, contained in long rows of bands, is slightly different. The dress is a high shirtwaister design with an empire line bust, a low scoop neck and it fastens at the front with 18 fabric buttons and loops. There is a little upturned ruffle on the waistband and the skirt is gently gathered. The sleeves have a gathered cuff and upturned ruffle that echoes the waistline. The dress bodice is not lined; however, the skirt is lined in a quality pink viscose. Labelled a UK size 12, this is small in today's sizing and probably a better fit for a UK 8-10 or US 4-6. The accompanying scarf is a double thickness triangular shape with a row of hand tied purple tassels down one side. It is doubled sided with one print matching the dress while the other side is the same design but in a different colourway, focusing on blues, turquoises and orange. It's an absolutely beautiful piece worn alone or could could be styled either side to compliment or contrast the dress colourway. A very rare set indeed to find in superb vintage condition and from the very earliest part of Jean Muir's career. One for the serious collector, wearer of fine boho...

This Selfridges late 1950s cocktail dress in midnight blue chiffon has an exotic flavour. The ornate beadwork embellishment on the overlay beautifully jux...