Mystery Solved

 In April 2012, I shared with you a post about a dress that was worn on Mad Men during season 5.

I had the identical dress for sale at Couture Allure at the time.  I knew it was a high end dress, but it only had a label from the store that sold it, Galosy's.

This morning, the mystery is solved.  The dress was designed by Malcolm Starr in 1967.  "Dress for dreams: royal blue cuffed in a rainbow of paillettes, wooden beads, crystals. By Malcolm Starr, in William Rose fabric of Celanese rayon, worsted and silk.  $265."  That's about $1,848 in today's dollar and the dress would be worth every penny if you could find anything remotely as well made today.  Stockings by Dior, shoes by Julianelli.

Photo by Neal Barr for Harper's Bazaar, 1967.

Vintage Party Dresses - 1966

The year? 1966. The look? Sparkle, shimmer and shine with sequins, beads, metallic fabrics or a combination of any or all. Or jazz it up with fur and feathers. The occasion? Party time!

John Bates dress in white devore silk velvet over pink taffeta lining with a white rabbit fur hem.

Anne Fogarty dress  with a flirty, flared hem and covered in silver paillette sequins.

Geoffrey Beene dress in white devore velvet trimmed in white ostrich feathers at cuff and hem.

Malcolm Starr dress in black lace covered in silver cording, beads and paillettes.

To wear over any or all of the dresses shown here, a pink and red metallic brocade evening coat trimmed in touches of mink.  This coat by Leslie Morris for Bergdorf Goodman was custom made to order only. 

New at Couture Allure - Vintage Dresses

New this week at Couture Allure are some lovely vintage party dresses and vintage dresses by important American designers. Here is a small sampling:

This 1950's party dress is new, old stock with the tags still attached. It features shadow printed pink poppies on chiffon and taffeta.

Who doesn't enjoy being a girl from time to time? This 1950's party dress by Karen Stark for Harvey Berin is fashioned of pale pink organza with flocking, embroidery, and lace.

We love these vintage dress and coat sets, and they never last long. This 1960's set is fashioned of aqua and gold brocade and is perfect for an evening on the town.

Another 1960's dress and coat set, this time in silk organza by Malcolm Starr. This is girly pink pop art!

We listed dresses by three important American sportswear designers this week. Claire McCardell, Tina Leser, and Greta Plattry were all well known for their fabulous talent. The Claire McCardell dress sold in less than 24 hours and is on it's way to a museum, but you still have a chance to grab the other two!

This early 1950's dress is by Tina Leser. She employed an asymmetric drape on the skirt to emulate a sarong. This dress is in near mint condition and appears to have never been worn.

How about a sweet silk dress with a hood for your next vacation? This 1950's dress is by Greta Plattry and has a wonderful full skirt.

We also listed a 1960's Victoria Royal beaded gown, a 1950's Ben Zuckerman suit, and a 1960's Robert Courtney silk dress, among others. Check the What's New tab at our website to see it all!