1980s Jean Muir Royal Blue Jersey Dress With Ruffle Trim
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 40.5 in (102.87 cm)Marked Size: 6 (US)Bust: 35 in (88.9 cm)Waist: 28.5 in (72.39 cm)Hip: 34 in (86.36 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5507601592
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.
- 1990s Thierry Mugler Midnight Blue Couture Silk DressBy Thierry MuglerLocated in London, GBThis absolutely stunning vintage couture Thierry Mugler cocktail dress from the early 90s in midnight blue silk is beautifully made and in very g...Category
1990s French Cocktail Dresses
- 1970s Susan Small Blue Silk/ Linen Beaded Maxi DressBy Susan SmallLocated in London, GBThis elegant vintage 1970s Susan Small maxi dress in a cobalt blue silk and linen mix is of superb quality and features some exquisite embellishment on the bodice, neckline and arms....Category
1970s British Maxi Dresses
- 1970s Louis Feraud Sky Blue Silk Shirtwaister DressBy Louis FeraudLocated in London, GBSuper stylish 1970s silk daywear from Louis Feraud with a high open collar, front fastening buttons and elasticated waist. There is a wide box pleat at the front of the dress for eas...Category
1970s French Casual Dresses
- 1970s Multi Coloured Polka Dot Maxi DressLocated in London, GBThis cool and original 1970s maxi dress combines two types of polka dot fabric in a bold format. The colour palette is a grassy green, teal, purple and white. The fabric is a starche...Category
1970s British Casual Dresses
- Jacques Theut 1960s French Couture Polka Dot Dress & Jacket SetLocated in London, GBThis is a beautiful quality 1950s or early 1960s French couture dress and sleeveless jacket combination entirely made by hand. It features a striking turquoise and white polka dot an...Category
1960s French Aesthetic Day Dresses
- 1980s Louis Feraud Cotton Floral Print DressBy Louis FeraudLocated in London, GBThis is a really beautiful example of 1980s formal day wear by French designer Louis Feraud. The light weight cotton fabric is in a beautiful feminine floral print in shades of blue,...Category
1980s German Informal Dresses
- Yves Saint Laurent 1985 Blue Plaid Wool Challis Runway DressLocated in Portland, ORThis is an Yves Saint Laurent beautiful plaid wool dress from the YSL F/W 1985 collection. The dress has a saturated shades blue, purple and gold in a...Category
1980s Shift Dresses
- Karl Lagerfeld 1980s Size 44 / US 10 Navy Blue Silk Chiffon Vintage 80s DressBy Karl LagerfeldLocated in San Diego, CABeautiful late 80s KARL LAGERFELD navy + ivory silk chiffon sleeveless dress. Features a navy body with semi sheer ivory above the bust. Hidden zipper up the back with hook-and-eye c...Category
1980s French Cocktail Dresses
- Jean Patou Paris Collection Boutique Green/Blue Day DressBy Jean Patou ParisLocated in Sharon, CTJean Patou Paris Collection Boutique 95%Wool with 5% Nylon, Rayon lining. Size 14, fits like an EU 42. Possibly designed by Karl Lagerfeld. Belted in back, sipper on side.Category
1960s French Day Dresses
- 1980s Yves Saint Laurent Blue Black Floral Print Vintage 80s Silk Dress Size 42By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in San Diego, CAAmazing 1980s YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Rive Gauche blue and black floral / rose print short sleeve silk dress ! Pockets at each side of the waist. Features a vibrant blue flowers and r...Category
1980s French Cocktail Dresses
- 1980s Holly’s Harp Navy Blue Colorful Silk Chiffon Flapper Style Vintage DressBy Holly HarpLocated in San Diego, CAFabulous early 80s HOLLY’S HARP silk chiffon flapper style dress ! Navy blue, with shades of red, purple, green and yellow throughout. Simply slips over the head. Attached caplet dra...Category
1980s American Cocktail Dresses
- Yves Saint Laurent Asymmetrical Printed Cotton Dress Spring, 1992By Yves Saint LaurentLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRYves Saint Laurent -(Made in France) Asymmetrical printed cotton dress. No size indicated, it corresponds to a 42FR. Ready-to-wear collection Spring-Summer 1992. Additional informat...Category
1990s French Maxi Dresses