Saks Ad - 1970

Here's something I just don't get.  This is a full page ad placed by Saks Fifth Avenue in a 1970 issue of Vogue magazine.  You and I both know how wild and colorful the prints used in clothing were at this time. The ad copy even states, "Liberated spirit. Coloring around-and-around, deep-beaded and braided on pure silk surah."

Why, then, did Saks chose to print this ad in black and white instead of full color?  Yes, the advertising cost would have been higher, but this ad just doesn't convey the dress as it should.  Perhaps 1970 was a time of belt-tightening and cutting costs. I find this a lot in the pages of most fashion magazines from this time period.  Clothing that should be shown in all its colorful glory is disappointingly printed in black and white.  OK, rant over.

I love the way the elaborate beading and braid at the neckline complements the wild print.  There is no designer mentioned, so this is likely by Saks' custom design department. Sophie Gimbel had just retired the year before, so I don't know who designed this beauty. I can tell you that the dress was $130 in 1970 (about $787 in today's dollar) and was worth every penny.

Photo from a Saks ad appearing in Vogue 1970.

Shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue, 1960

In photos from the late Fall of 1960, we can see what a different experience shopping was compared to the crammed sales floors of today.  Look!  A place to sit!  Individual service from one of many sales assistants!  Place your order and have it delivered to your home!

Evening gowns galore! 

A gentleman shops for a hat for a lady friend.  Note how the hats are stored in deep drawers.

Space to move with large mirrors and generous lighting while trying on clothes.

And if you had the money, you could shop in the custom salon with even more individualized service.

Finally, in the custom couture salon, you could purchase an exclusive design from Sophie Gimbel (she's on the right.)

Those were the days!

All photos by Peter Stackpole for Life Magazine, 1960.

Window Shopping, 1948

I love this image from 1948.  A woman wearing a dark suit with pearls and white gloves contemplates the latest fashions for spring in the window at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York.  What will you be shopping for this spring?

Saks Holiday Catalog - 2000 The Jewelry

More from the Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Preview catalog from 2000. While not technically vintage, I do think it is interesting to see what Saks and the designers were showing 10 years ago. Today, a look at some of the jewelry.

Orlando Orlandini for Simon Sobie 18K gold necklace with diamonds. Sold for $7525 in 2000.

Marlene Stowe 18K gold, platinum and diamond butterfly and leaf pins. Sold for $2900 to $4400 in 2000.

Yuri Ichihashi handwoven 18K gold multistrand necklace with diamonds set in platinum. Sold for $18,000 in 2000.

John Hardy Batu Mas Collection earrings, ring, and bracelet in 18K gold and aquamarine. Sold for $3045 to $6825 in 2000.

Michael Dawkins 14K gold and South Sea pearl necklace with diamond clasp. Sold for $13,395 in 2000.

Saks Holiday Catalog - 2000 The Eveningwear

As I was browsing through my magazine collection this morning looking for inspiration, I came across the Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Preview catalog from 2000. While not technically vintage, I do think it is interesting to see what Saks and the designers were showing 10 years ago. Eveningwear was heavily skewed to separates instead of dresses or evening gowns. And this simple but elegant outfit led off the entire catalog.

Kors Michael Kors black turtleneck and double face wool magenta skirt. Set sold for $520 in 2000.

Victor Costa for Saks Couture Fashions black glitter on tulle strapless gown. Sold for $825 in 2000.

David Meister black beaded dress with chains. Sold for $350 in 2000.

St. John tuxedo completely covered in black sequins. Sold for $2385 in 2000.

Anne Klein mohair glitter sweater with beaded lace skirt. Sold for $1060 in 2000.
Victor Costa for Saks Couture Fashions burgundy velvet gown with dyed mink trim. Sold for $800 in 2000.

Oscar by Oscar de la Renta paillette sweater and silver leather skirt. Sold for $776 in 2000.

Vintage Cocktail Dress with a Jacket

Here's another way to make an impression. This dress looks rather covered up for evening. But presto, chango:

Take off the jacket and you've got a strapless bombshell of a dress. Interesting how the buttons on the jacket match the buttons on the dress, so you have the illusion (there's that word again!) of one piece, when it is actually two.

This dress by Saks Fifth Avenue is from 1949. The ad states:

"Sheila Lynn's beautiful change-of-costume. Jacket on at the restaurant table, nude shoulders when the music begins."

Now if we only had a fancy restaurant around here that had dancing after dinner, I'd be all set. Love those strappy shoes!