Teal Traina Suit - 1966

Here's another good example of a fashion trying to bridge the gap between classic clients and the newer Mod looks for the younger generation in 1966.  Venerable old New England department store Jordan Marsh placed this full page ad in Harper's Bazaar.  The dinner suit by Teal Traina is made from a fabulous brocade with a large scale pattern and has a shorter skirt length to appeal to the younger woman.  The choice of the dark tights, gloves and helmet hat are trying to appeal to the Teal Traina and Jordan Marsh client of the past.  What you end up with is a muddled mess.  For this to work, the model should be wearing silver sparkle hosiery, no hat, no gloves and big hair.  It's too bad, as that suit is GORGEOUS!!!!!  Suit sold for $250 in 1966 (about $1836 in today's dollar.)

Photo from a full page ad for Jordan Marsh appearing in Harper's Bazaar, 1966.  No credit given.

Teal Traina - 1963

I love these ads from Bergdorf Goodman. Whoever was writing their copy at the time (1963) had a wonderful way with words. "The Quick Black Costume....It says "news" almost before you can blink. It dashes its way into summer free of sleeves, and full of the brio a costume must have this season. The crisp Swiss-cotton ottoman was clipped and carved for us by Teal Traina with a back-flashing jacket that swings on over the easy, camisoled dress. In brisk black, frosted mocha, and a very newsy white." Perfection.

Teal Traina was Anthony Traina's nephew. Anthony Traina was Norman Norell's financial partner. Geoffrey Beene was a designer at Teal Traina from 1958-63, so it is likely this delightful outfit was his. I have a similar Teal Traina ensemble in cream silk that is currently at the cleaners. Coming soon to Couture Allure! BTW, this outfit sold for $145 in 1963 (about $1033 in today's dollar.)

Vintage Dresses - New This Week at Couture Allure

Back from vacation and a buying trip, we've got tons of vintage dresses coming your way starting with these beauties, new this week at Couture Allure:

I blogged about polka dots a couple of weeks ago, and the love for this pattern was very evident. On my buying trip, I sought out polka dots for you, and this is my personal favorite - a 1950's shirtwaist styled full skirt dress with random dots in black and brown.

Who doesn't love pink? Who doesn't love cherries? The two are combined in this 1950's full skirted cotton dress by Posh.

The original labels are gone from this 1950's party dress, but everything about it says Paris to me. Black silk organza layered over taffeta with a bell shaped skirt, ruching, and big bows. Oh la la!

This 1960's Pat Sandler evening gown is just stunning with its Creamsicle orange silk chiffon, beaded Cleopatra color, and yards and yards of floating overlay. The original owner of this gown was short - probably no more than 5' - so if you're petite, this is the gown for you!

When I came across this 1940's African print dress, I fully expected to find a label from Tina Leser or Carolyn Schnurer, both of whom used ethnic fabrics as their design inspiration. Alas, the original labels have been removed from this dress too.


This 1960's silk dress does have the label - its by Teal Traina. Don't you love the black and white Mod graphic print?

Vintage Evening Gowns - Ricci, Dior, Scassi, and Teal Traina

September 1961 - Nina Ricci gown in emerald green satin worn with a matching green satin coat edged in blue fox fur. Glittering earrings and a coiffure that makes a statement are all she needs.

December 1957 - Scassi ball gown in pale green silk moire has an asymmetric hem that dips to floor length in the back. Worn with a matching coat that is lined in white fox fur. Accessorized with satin shoes, white gloves, and sparkling earrings.

October 1960 - Dior strapless platinum grey silk satin gown with a large rose at the dropped waist and tulip shaped skirt. The model carries a flocked tulle wrap and wears black satin shoes and a bow at the back of her head.

December 1966 - Teal Traina charcoal silk chiffon column dress decorated with rows of silver paillettes. The matching stole worn as a head wrap. Coordinating clogs were made by Herbert Levine. The model wears a huge Charles Elkaim cocktail ring.