1980s Jean Muir Grey Silk Batwing Blouse
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 31 in (78.74 cm)Marked Size: 12 (UK)Bust: 76 in (193.04 cm)Waist: 62 in (157.48 cm)Hip: 40 in (101.6 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU55016987622
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: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- 1980s Alaia Black Long Sleeve BodysuitBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in London, GBThis is a super sassy and figure hugging Alaia long sleeve blended knit bodysuit from the renowned 1989 collection. The top section has a high neck ...Category
1980s French Loungewear
- 1990s Escada Navy Embroidered Fruit Salad TopBy EscadaLocated in London, GBThis is a really fun 1990s piece by Escada when they were very high profile and considered a luxury brand. The novelty 'fruit salad' design is of embroidered motifs that represent st...Category
1990s Italian Blouses
- 1970s Travers Tempos Flock-Cotton Floral Oversized BlouseLocated in London, GBThis collectable Travers Tempos top originates from the very late 1960s or early 1970s at the height of the London Fashion scene of the swinging 60s. An oversized style featuring a v...Category
1970s British Blouses and Tops
- 1980s Halston Black Label Iridescent Beaded Tunic with BeltBy HalstonLocated in London, GBThis magnificent Halston black label top is from one of his mainline collections circa 1980 - 1984. This period was amongst the most opulent for the designer and many of his designs...Category
1980s American Blouses
- 1940s Black and Gold Lame BlouseLocated in London, GBThis is an original 1940s black crepe blouse with a striking metallic gold swirl design. One of the best cocktail separates we've ever had, with a dropped shoulder, a gentle draping ...Category
1940s American Blouses
- 1979 Yves Saint Laurent Documented Silk Seashell Print JacketBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in London, GB1979 documented Yves Saint Laurent shell print jacket. Saint Laurent was inspired by the work of the artist, Henri Matisse for several notable collections and the jacket really epit...Category
1970s French Blouses and Tops
- Givenchy Camouflage Velcro Patch Men's Polo Shirt Size LBy GivenchyLocated in Downey, CAGivenchy Camouflage Velcro Patch Men's Polo Shirt Size L A classic Givenchy polo with an added twist added on with velcro patch areas for you to make th...Category
2010s Portuguese Shirts
- James Perse Gray Wool Black Ribbed Trench Coat ShirtLocated in Downey, CAJames Perse Gray Wool Black Ribbed Trench Coat Shirt James Perse simple takes on coats are a must have for your closet! Made with quality materials and made in the USA . Add a stapl...Category
2010s American Coats
- Dsquared2 Black DSQ2 Classic 'The Hockey Horror Long Sleeve M Tee ShirtBy Dsquared2Located in Downey, CADsquared2 Black DSQ2 Classic 'The Hockey Horror Long Sleeve M Tee Shirt DSQUARED2 THE HOCKEY HORROR DSQUARED2 SHOW Long Sleeve T-Shirt with dripping blood red logo detail. Shirt is ...Category
2010s Italian T-Shirts
- D&G Black Jersey XS V-neck Cotton-jersey Logo Plaque Leather Men's Tee ShirtBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Downey, CAD&G Black Jersey XS V-neck Cotton-jersey Logo Plaque Leather Men's Tee Shirt Dolce & Gabbana makes the classic black T-shirt its own with a logo-engraved gunmetal and leather plaque...Category
2010s Italian T-Shirts
- Marc Jacobs Black All-over Embroidered Eyelet Collared Spring Button-down TopBy Marc JacobsLocated in Downey, CAMarc Jacobs Black All-over Embroidered Eyelet Collared Spring Button-down Top Embroidered eyelets form a pretty floral pattern that sweetens this 100% cotton button-front shirt just...Category
2010s Malagasy Shirts
- Fear of God Logo Print Mesh Jersey Men's Long Sleeve Shirt Size XLBy Fear of GodLocated in Downey, CAFear of God Logo Print Mesh Jersey Men's Long Sleeve Shirt Size XL Fear Of God hallmarks a classic black T-shirt with its white logo print for the new season. It's shaped in the USA...Category
2010s Shirts