Franklin Simon Cashmere Sweater

I've told you before how much I hate shopping at "The Mall".  I used to enjoy shopping at department stores, but now I avoid them like the plague and will only step foot in one if I am desperate.  Franklin Simon was one of the original department stores in New York.  The main store was established in 1903 at Fifth Avenue and 38th St.  Other store owners laughed at Mr. Simon's choice of opening so far uptown where "no one would shop."  Mr. Simon's goal was to import as much of his merchandise from Europe as he could for his discerning customers.  The Franklin Simon chain of stores closed in 1979.

The ad shown above is from 1956.  "Franklin Simon translates the relaxed refinement of American living with elegant simplicity....turns separates into a magnificently integrated costume!"  The cashmere sweater wtih contrast bands came in yellow with gray, champagne with white, or gray with white in sizes 34- 40.  Sold for $32.95 in 1956 (about $274 in today's dollar.)  The wool flannel skirt came in gray or champagne and was available in sizes 10-18.  Sold for $19.95 in 1956 (about $166 in today's dollar.)

If I knew I could walk into a department store today and find this coordinating sweater and skirt displayed together and in the high quality fabrics used in the 50s,  I would not hesitate to hand over my credit card.  Alas, I know it is not to be.  If I find a cute cashmere sweater, the quality will be crap.  And I will have to search through the entire store for any skirt that I might possibly find to go with it.  Ugh.  No thanks.

Bernhard Altmann Cashmere Sweater, 1956

You're going to have to click to enlarge this picture to appreciate the details here. Bernhard Altmann layers two cashmere sweaters. The deep golden yellow cardigan has polka-dot cut-outs. It is worn over another short sleeved sweater that is half black, half white. Wow. Just wow. Set sold for $150 in 1956 (about $1206 in today's dollar.)

For a fascinating read about the history of the Bernhard Altmann company, check out the bio at the Vintage Fashion Guild Label Resource. Much of the information came directly from Altmann's son.

Vintage Cashmere Sweaters

There's nothing quite like cashmere from the 1940's and 50's. Not only has it stood the test of time, it will last for many years to come with proper care. Unlike today's cheap cashmere that pills so easily, vintage cashmere sweaters are most often made from the long fibers gathered from the underside of the Kashmir goat. Those long fibers also make for an incredibly soft hand.

The photo above, from December 1957, is of "a sweater that couldn't possibly be just like one she already owns." The beige cashmere cardigan by Torrez VI is lined in 24K gold lamé and buttons with cabochon emeralds set in gold. The cost? A mere $650 (about $5000 today). No wonder she looks like she owns the world! The sweater is worn with a simple beige cashmere pullover and brown velveteen pants. And since the emerald buttons just aren't enough, jewelry sparkles at her ears, neck, and waist.

If you've never tried vintage cashmere, I urge to to take the plunge! Here are a few sweaters available from sellers I trust and recommend:

50's Dalton pink cashmere pullover with sailor collar from Blue Velvet Vintage:

1950's blue cashmere cardigan with fox fur collar from Past Perfect Vintage:

1950's red cashmere cardigan with mushroom embroidery from Fast Eddie's Retro Rags:

1950's cream cashmere cardigan with lace appliques from Listit Vintage Cafe: