1950'S DON LOPER Black Silk Duchess Satin Cocktail Dress With Sheer Illusion La
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 47 in (119.38 cm)Marked Size: XS (US)Bust: 32 in (81.28 cm)Waist: 25 in (63.5 cm)Hip: 36 in (91.44 cm)
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:
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: New York, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- 1970S Purple & Blue Striped Poly Blend Satin Long Sleeve Day To Night DressLocated in New York, NY1970S Purple & Blue Striped Poly Blend Satin Long Sleeve Day To Night DressCategory
1970s Casual Dresses
- 1950S PEGGY HUNT Black & Red Silk Taffeta Chantilly Lace Cocktail DressBy Peggy HuntLocated in New York, NYSome fading on the shoulder but otherwise in perfect shape. 1950S PEGGY HUNT Black & Red Silk Taffeta Chantilly Lace Cocktail DressCategory
1950s American Day Dresses
- 1930S Black Silk Velvet Bias-Cut Gown With Slight Train & Embroidered Lace BodiLocated in New York, NY1930S Black Silk Velvet Bias-Cut Gown With Slight Train & Embroidered Lace BodiceCategory
1930s Formal Gowns
- 1930S Black Silk Faille & Lace Collared Dress With Sleeves Deco Glass ButtonsLocated in New York, NY1930S Black Silk Faille & Lace Collared Dress With Sleeves Deco Glass ButtonsCategory
1930s Casual Dresses
- Morphew Collection Black & Blue Multicolored Silk Twill Print Scarf Dress MadeBy MorphewLocated in New York, NY“The Art of Craftsmanship” MORPHEW COLLECTION™ Silk Scarf Dresses are handmade individually, with pain-staking attention to detail in our New York City Production Studio. Pieced an...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Casual Dresses
- 1950S Navy Blue Silk Organza & Chantilly Lace Cocktail Dress With Beaded RufflesLocated in New York, NYFew small holes but otherwise in phenomenal near new condition. Lined in rayon. 1950S Navy Blue Silk Organza & Chantilly Lace Cocktail Dress With Beaded RufflesCategory
1950s Cocktail Dresses
- 1980s Escada Green Pink Blue & Orange Plaid 2 pc Dress w/ Skirt & Linen TopBy EscadaLocated in Portland, ORThis is a beautiful ensemble from the 1980's designed by Margaretha Ley for Escada. The outfit has a pleated midi length skirt that buttons down the front. It is made of linen in an ...Category
1980s German Day Dresses
- S/S 2002 Gucci by Tom Ford Knit Hook Closure Runway Black Knit Dress SetBy Gucci, Tom Ford for GucciLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a slinky hook and eye closure accented sweater dress set designed by Tom Ford for Gucci's Spring/Summer 2002 collection. This set debuted as look number 23 on Erin Wasson on the Spring/Summer 2002 runway and was seen on Debra Messing at the 2002 Screen Actor's Guild Awards and in the March 2002 issue of L'Uomo Vogue...Category
Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- Mid-Late 1990s Gianni Versace Couture Black Dropped Hem Bias-Cut Wiggle Gown LBDBy Gianni Versace Couture, Gianni VersaceLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a vintage midi Gianni Versace dress, designed by Gianni Versace. This is the little black dress your wardrobe is missing. Simple and classy, th...Category
1990s Italian Day Dresses
- F/W 1991 Gianni Versace Couture Runway Black Stretch Bouclé Wool Mini Dress LBDBy Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace CoutureLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a runway-ready little black dress designed by Gianni Versace for his iconic Fall/Winter 1991 collection. This piece debuted as runway look number 27 on Marpessa Hennink an...Category
1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- Oscar de la Renta Red, Black, & Ivory Cotton Sleeveless Tribal Print Dress - 8By Oscar De La RentaLocated in West Palm Beach, FLOscar de la Renta Red, Black, & Ivory Cotton Sleeveless Tribal Print Dress - 8. This adorable Oscar dress is in excellent condition. It features a lovely red, black, and ivory cott...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Day Dresses
- Chanel 1980's Navy Cotton Cinched Waist Jacket Skirt Suit - Size 38By ChanelLocated in West Palm Beach, FLChanel Navy Cotton Jacket and Skirt Suit with Cinched Waist - Size 38 - 1980's. This set is a very unique Chanel look and truly a collectible piece. The straight skirt has a a waistb...Category
1980s French Skirt Suits