Jean Muir Silk Polka Dot Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 10 (UK)Bust: 36 in (91.44 cm)Shoulder to Hem: 40 in (101.6 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU44236643411
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 14 days of delivery.
- Vintage Brown and White Stripe Day DressLocated in London, GBA chic and easy to wear day dress in a brown and white stripe. The dress has a brown and white skirt , collar and tie with a central back zip.Category
1960s Unknown Day Dresses
- Vintage Blanes London Summer DressLocated in London, GBA chic and easy to wear vintage dress by Blanes London. The dress is a charming polka dot with a scallop edge collar and black bow at the front. It is fu...Category
1960s British Day Dresses
- Vintage 'Clever' Novelty DressLocated in London, GBA fun vintage novelty dress with the word 'Clever' embroidered on the top left. In an ivory fabric edged in red, the dress has a flared skirt wi...Category
1950s Unknown Day Dresses
- Vintage Print Shirt DressLocated in London, GBA pretty dress for Spring. In a colourful print, this dress has a v neckline. gathered cuffs , flared skirt and a central back zip.Category
1970s Unknown Day Dresses
- A Vintage 1980s courreges check autumnal Shirt DressBy André CourrègesLocated in London, GBA chic vintage Courreges shirt dress. The dress is in brown and white check with brown cotton edging. It has a 12'' slit on either side with a button ...Category
1980s French Day Dresses
- Vintage Monsoon Beige Courdroy Smock DressLocated in London, GBA great vintage dress for Fall by Monsoon. The dress is in a beige corduroy cotton, and can be worn as a dress or an over dress. It has a stand up collar, button front opening and ga...Category
1970s British Day Dresses
- Andrea Wilkin 1970s Silk Ivory Fantasy Bridal Dress in Edwardian StyleBy Andrea WilkinLocated in London, GBThis exquisite Andrea Wilkin 1970s fantasy bridal gown in soft ivory exudes femininity and is in wonderful condition. Layers of silk fabric are beautifully arranged to create the cla...Category
1970s British Wedding Dresses
- Iconic Vintage Alaia Neutral Tone Lace Bodycon Knit Dress 1990'sBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in Los Angeles, CAVintage Azzedine Alaia beige fitted dress with knit lace bodice. Features square neckline, bow at front and zipper at back. The dress fits a today's size 4. Please contact us for mea...Category
1990s French Day Dresses
- Christian Dior by John Galliano equestrian printed silk scarf dress, ss 2000By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian DiorLocated in London, GB▪ Important Christian Dior evening dress ▪ Designed by John Galliano ▪ Equestrian printed silk twill in pink and yellow with an ivory base ▪ Tan leather strap at the neck ▪ Open bac...Category
Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- 1930s Haute Couture Silver Lame Evening DressLocated in London, GBOriginal 1930s haute couture gold lame evening dress, in fabulous condition for its age. It features a crossover front with tie waist detail, and...Category
1930s Belgian Formal Wear
- Gucci Floral dress size 44By GucciLocated in Gazzaniga (BG), IT100% silk Floral theme Rouches and folds Shoulder/hem length cm 90 (354 inches) Shoulder cm 41 (161 inches)Category
2010s Italian Casual Dresses
- Louis Feraud 1980s Size 10 Novelty Umbrella Print Short Sleeve Vintage Dress 80sBy Louis FeraudLocated in San Diego, CAChic 1980s LOUIS FERAUD black and white novelty umbrella print silk dress ! Features a black and white striped bodice with polka dots on the collar and ...Category
1980s German Cocktail Dresses