Don Loper Red Wool Coat w/ Black Velvet Collar, 1950's
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Length: 30.5 in (77.47 cm)Marked Size: Small (US)Bust: 33.5 in (85.09 cm)Waist: 34 in (86.36 cm)Hip: 37 in (93.98 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Wool, velvet
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Excellent.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU11082448752
Don Loper
Don Loper was a Hollywood fashion designer who lived his life like the main character of a movie. He called himself a "quintuple threat," referring to his ability to dance, choreograph, direct productions and design clothes and accessories. When it came to his garments, Loper preferred an Old Hollywood style, and today, vintage Don Loper evening dresses, day dresses and coats exude grace and glamour.
Loper was born in Toledo, Ohio, in 1906 as Lincoln George Hardloper. It is not known when or why he changed his name. He also told many tall tales about his childhood, claiming to have been a skilled dancer by the age of three and designing dresses in his father's shop by the age of seven. Over the 1930s, he danced in Broadway performances and, in 1942, produced a show at the Copacabana Nightclub in New York.
In 1943, Loper chased stardom to Los Angeles and began dancing in motion pictures, appearing in Lady in the Dark, Pleasure and Sofia. In 1946, he also opened his own couture salon on Sunset Boulevard. Loper was by then a tabloid sensation, and many designers and movie stars turned up for the opening-day event. Later that same year, his ensembles were featured in Vogue.
Loper was a highly successful designer, with such high-profile clients as Lucille Ball, Lana Turner and Ella Fitzgerald. He was a commercial success as well, creating flight attendant uniforms for Trans World Airlines and Pan American Airways. Loper also worked as an interior designer. In 1947, he was contracted to decorate the new ballroom of the Beverly Hills Hotel.
In 1951, Loper moved his store to Rodeo Drive, decorating it with luxurious carpets and draperies. Over the subsequent decades, he continued designing dresses for starlets while branching out into menswear and accessories until his death in 1972. Today, several of Loper's beautiful designs are featured in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Find vintage Don Loper clothing on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Los Angeles, CA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Bonnie Cashin Red and Tan Raincoat w/ Gold Closures Vintage 16By Bonnie CashinLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis is a stylish raincoat from Bonnie Cashin. It is made of a red cotton canvas with a tan canvas lining. The sleeves can be worn cuffed or down for a different look. The closures a...Category
1970s American Raincoats
- Galanos Green Silk Opera Coat Size SmallBy GalanosLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis Galanos coat is composed of a green silk, in an emerald teal hue. The coat has an opera style featuring godets for flare. There are front pockets, and an open style without clo...Category
20th Century American Opera Coats
- Galanos Attributed Dramatic Grey Silk Opera Coat Size Small MediumBy GalanosLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis Galanos design is composed of a grey silk. The dramatic design features a hook and eye closure at the collar end. There is gathering at the neckline and rounded puff...Category
20th Century American Opera Coats
- PAUL LOUIS ORRIER Paris Ruffled Ivory Cream Jacket with Structured Hem Size 40By Paul-Louis OrrierLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis Paul Louis Orrier Paris jacket is composed of an ivory/cream hued silk and acetate. The ruffled ivory fabric is accented by a structured hem. There are center front hook and eye...Category
20th Century French Coats and Outerwear
- ELIZABETH MASON COUTURE Black Beaded Lace Evening Coat Made to OrderBy Elizabeth Mason CoutureLocated in Los Angeles, CAFashioned from the finest black lace adorned with beading and sequins. This exquisite design can be combined with an ELIZABETH MASON COUTURE cocktail dress as photographed (sold sepa...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Topcoats
- 1980s Krizia Blue Wool Double Zip CoatBy KriziaLocated in Los Angeles, CAKrizia Wool double zip coat Deep blue color Made in Italy Two lined side pockets Navy invisible double zipper closure Lined collar and front panelCategory
1980s Italian Anoraks and Parkas
- 1980s Gianni Versace Primary Red Wool Coat w Angular Trapunto Stitching DetailsBy Gianni VersaceLocated in Gresham, ORA 1980s Gianni Versace tailored wool coat in primary red with angular trapunto stitching details. Padded raglan shoulders. Triangular trapunto stitching detail at back visually empha...Category
1980s Italian Coats
- Tara Jamon Red and White Coat with Wonderful LiningLocated in London, GBA fun coat by Tara Jamon. The coat is in a red and white fabric with wonderful lining. It has a four button front opening, round collar and half belt and the ...Category
2010s Unknown Coats and Outerwear
- Hermes Cashmere & Silk Cardi/Coat Twillaine Boucles Et Galons Du TsaBy HermèsLocated in London, GBHermes Cashmere & Silk Cardi/Coat - Twillaine Boucles Et Galons Du Tsa Belted, red fine knitted top with scarf printed silk panel to the front, flap detailing to shoulders at the ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Coats
- New VERSACE Red Leather Moto Jacket With Vinyl Animal StripesBy VersaceLocated in Montgomery, TXNEW VERSACE JACKET This lambkskin moto jacket from Versace features a notch collar with medusa logo hardware, full-length sleeves with vinyl animal stripe applique an...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Coats
- Moschino Vintage 1990s Red + Black Color Block JacketBy Moschino, Moschino Cheap and ChicLocated in Sparks, NVVintage two-tone color block jacket in red and black by Cheap and Chic by Moschino. Fully lined with front button closure. Velcro closure at collar and on sides. Fabric: 52% Rayon/ 4...Category
1990s Italian Jackets
- Mario Valentino for Amen Wardy Vintage Red + Pink Suede Leather JacketBy Amen Wardy, Mario ValentinoLocated in Sparks, NVGorgeous soft suede leather jacket with pink leather window pane design and double breasted front closure. Structured collar, grandpa buttons and ...Category
Late 20th Century American Jackets