Divine 1970s Jean Muir Pleated Chiffon Ivory Black Dots Layered dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 54 in (137.16 cm)Marked Size: SML/MED (US)Bust: 34 in (86.36 cm)Waist: 28 in (71.12 cm)Hip: 38 in (96.52 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Boca Raton, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU73015277262
Jean Muir
With simple, classic designs, Jean Muir became known as the doyenne of British fashion, counting such luminaries as Princess Alexandra, Glenda Jackson and Lauren Bacall as clients. Similar to Diane von Furstenberg and her signature wrap dresses, Muir was most famous for the matte jersey dresses she initially designed for herself. Born in London, she got her fashion start at the age of 11 when she began designing her own clothing. Muir’s popular vintage dresses and gowns boast small shoulders, a slightly raised waist and a sheath-like skirt, perfect for someone with a petite frame like her own. In fact, Muir tried on every dress before it went into production.
The Jean Muir look — pared down, elegant and timeless — earned the designer an over 40-year-long career, which started in the stockroom at London’s famous Liberty luxury department store. Shortly after her stint in sorting inventory, she became a sketcher in the store’s made-to-measure department. After working as a designer for Jaeger, she was hired by dress manufacturer David Barnes in 1962. There, her jersey designs were so popular she was given her own label: Jane & Jane. She soon caught the attention of a buyer who brought her to Henri Bendel, where her career soared. Just four years after joining Jane & Jane, she started Jean Muir Ltd. with her husband, Harry Leuckert, a German actor.
During her long career, Muir never strayed from her signature long, fluid lines and feminine silhouettes that were especially flattering when the wearer moved. The jersey gave the dresses an architectural appearance and a flexibility in the designs as, unlike silk, the material doesn’t have to be hand-sewn or lined, nor do the edges need to be lined up and bound together to appear neat. Muir was particularly drawn to the simplicity of navy and black fabric, with topstitching giving even the most minimal styles some flair. Although jersey dominated her looks, she also worked with her team of expert craftspeople to punch patterns in suede, create draped textures with leather, tailor wool crepe, paint patterns on cashmere and stitch dramatic layers of tiered silk.
After her death, Muir’s team continued creating her beloved day dresses and evening gowns for another 12 years, carrying on her legacy. In 2007, the label closed, although the vintage dresses are enduringly popular with those seeking refinement and elegance in modern designs.
Find a collection of Jean Muir evening dresses, suits, jackets and other garments on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Boca Raton, FL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- Incredible Rare Issey Miyake Pleats Please Avant Garde Color Block DressBy Issey MiyakeLocated in Boca Raton, FLFuturistic designer Issey Miyake has mastered the technique of creating sculptural works of art in cloth. His innovative pattern cutting and signature use of micro pleating give his garments a unique form. As one of the earliest designers to take on this style of fashion, Miyake is held in high regard as a pioneer of these creative, out-of-this-world fashions. From the Pleats Please line, this rare collector’s dress is done in a pleated fabric in shades of midnight blue, electric purple, red, magenta, cerulean, chartreuse, brown, sage, and neon green. The bright colors have a prismatic quality that makes the dress pop visually, giving the eye something new to appreciate from each angle while elevating this garment to a work of art. The dress begins with a high straight neckline and long sleeves that reach the wrists. The front of the dress is fitted throughout, creating an elegant sheath that falls to a maxi length several inches above the ankles. The body of the dress is done in midnight blue pleats with a section of purple at the bust and a section of neon green near the hem that draws the eye. Thigh-high slits at each side of the dress allow for greater ease of movement while introducing a welcome risqué element that helps balance the volume of material on display. Size: Small Measurements: Bust: 32 inches Waist: 30 inches Length: 50 inches An incredible panel at the back of the dress is made up of a vivid patchwork of color-blocked fabric, adding extra depth and gravitas to this Avant Garde masterpiece. The top of the panel can be folded over the front of the shoulders to create a curving, cocoon-like shawl, or folded together at the back like wings at rest. The panel spans the entire length of the dress and is slightly higher at the neck, adding volume and a delightful sculptural element to the otherwise columnar silhouette of the dress. An unforgettable addition to the discerning fashion lover’s wardrobe, this rare Issey Miyake Pleats Please dress is the perfect choice for a wedding, gala, or special occasion, and is sure to turn heads for many years to come. This vintage Issey Miyake dress...Category
1990s Japanese Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Courrèges Black Metallic Polka Dot Layered Maxi Dress, 1970sBy CourrègesLocated in Boca Raton, FLAndré Courrèges was a visionary of youthful and innovative designs. While known for his quirky space-age fashions, his later work offered a blend between unconventional fabrics and c...Category
1970s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Prada Green Black Chain Inset Printed Shift Dress, Resort 2009By PradaLocated in Boca Raton, FLA slight departure from their usual style, the Resort 2009 Prada collection toned down the crisp, tailored feel and presented softer volumes with a coy edginess. Neutral tones and an enchanting green made this collection a cross between easy to wear and ready to wear. This tunic dress is done in a crocodile...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Jean Patou Black Organza Ruffle & Flounce Cocktail Dress, 1980sBy Jean PatouLocated in Boca Raton, FLJean Patou was a prominent designer who rose to fame in the 1920s with his innovative women’s sportswear at the time. Rivaling the likes of Coco Chanel, Patou’s designs spoke to a si...Category
1980s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Chanel Black Blue Strapless Mini Dress Runway, 2013By ChanelLocated in Boca Raton, FLAlways keeping it modern, the Chanel 2013 collection played off of a graphic, geometric aesthetic. Highlighting the simplicity of dots, grids, g...Category
2010s French Cocktail Dresses
- 1970s Mac Tac of Paris Floral Printed Nylon Jersey Cape DressBy Mac TacLocated in Boca Raton, FLIn collaboration with the renowned Paris house of prints, Leonard, the graphic and print designer Mac Tac offered this zany, almost surrealist print for this 1970s silk nylon jersey maxi dress. The print also features large orchids throughout, which is the signature Leonard flower. Done in a silky nylon jersey, the dress features an eclectic print of alternating stripes of white cut-out starbursts and marmalade orange and yellow starbursts on a black ground. This sleeveless dress comes with an attached capelet overlay piece that may be pulled back and worn over the shoulders, revealing another pattern of white starbursts...Category
1970s French Day Dresses
- Moschino Silk Contoured Hoop-Skirt GownBy MoschinoLocated in Scottsdale, AZThis gown will pull you in and intrigue you with all the curves and volume. This Moschino design is genius as the skirt has varying sizes of circular boning to fit to your own body's curves giving you a hyper-feminized silhouette. Featuring a full-length to add to the drama and a simple black color-way and tank-top style to let the bottom detail steal the show. The fabric is 100% silk. Make sure to pair this dress with dramatic earrings...Category
1990s Italian Aesthetic Evening Dresses
- Gianni Versace navy blue open-knit bodycon dress and cardigan set, fw 1993By Gianni VersaceLocated in London, GB▪ Gianni Versace navy blue open-knit dress and cardigan 2 piece set ▪ Sleeveless bodycon maxi dress with lining ▪ Long-sleeve full-length cardigan ▪ Gold Medusa buttons ▪ Can be wo...Category
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Vivienne Westwood bronze stretch-velvet and gold foil printed dress, fw 1990By Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GB▪ Vivienne Westwood bronze stretch-velvet evening dress ▪ Gold foil neoclassical print inspired by Andre-Charles Boulle ▪ Concealed zipper at center-back ▪ Size Medium ▪ Fall-Winter...Category
1990s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- 2000s Marc Jacobs Vintage Black Taffeta Open Back Punk Inspired Evening DressBy Marc JacobsLocated in Portland, ORThis is a great vintage Marc Jacobs evening dress from the early 2000's. The dress is in an elevated, rich black taffeta with an open back that clo...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses
- Azzedine Alaia F/W 1991 Vintage Bodycon Velvet Knit Black DressBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in Naples, FLAzzedine Alaia F/W 1991 Vintage Bodycon Velvet Knit Black Dress Size M Alaïa heavy knit velvet dress with open knit trim throughout, V-neck, long sleeves ...Category
1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Versace S/S 2016 Runway Embellished Cutout Sheer Panels Mini Evening DressBy VersaceLocated in Naples, FLVersace S/S 2016 Runway Embellished Cutout Sheer Panels Mini Evening Dress IT 40 Look 54 from the Spring 2016 Collection.Category
2010s Evening Dresses and Gowns