Jean Muir Silk Jersey Dress with Sequins 1980s
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: XS, S, M (US)Shoulder to Hem: 55 in (139.7 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Water Mill, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5115220651
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: Water Mill, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- Gianni Versace Silk Cut out DressBy Gianni VersaceLocated in Water Mill, NYA beautiful black fine knit silk dress from Gianni Versace. It has a crossing front with a V cut out at the neck, 3/4 length dolman sleeves and draping to hip level. The skirt port...Category
1990s Italian Day Dresses
- Tom Ford for Yves St Laurent Lace up Safari Dress SS 2002By Tom Ford, Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Water Mill, NYA fabulous fine black polished cotton dress by Tom Ford for Yves St. Laurent. As a nod to St. Laurent's notable 1968 safari collection it has ...Category
Early 2000s French Day Dresses
- Guy Laroche Silk Lace up Back Dress 1990sBy Guy LarocheLocated in Water Mill, NYA fabulous black silk dress by Guy Laroche. It it is semi fitted with long sleeves with zippers at the wrists, light shoulder padding and front hip pockets incorporated into the pr...Category
1990s French Day Dresses
- Gucci New Silk Dress with Cut outs and HardwareBy Gucci, Frida GianniniLocated in Water Mill, NYA fabulous black silk jersey dress from Gucci. It has a simple neckline, long zipper cuff sleeves and cut outs at a shoulder and side waist plus a front slit in the straight skirt. The skirt slit and shoulder cut out are highlighted with gold metal Gucci embossed...Category
2010s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique 1970s Maxi Dress and Wrap with Stud TrimBy Givenchy, Givenchy Nouvelle BoutiqueLocated in Water Mill, NYA fabulous black wool jersey maxi dress and wrap from Givenchy. It has long sleeves, a crew neckline and comes with a narrow tie belt and matching wrap...Category
1970s French Maxi Dresses
- Thierry Mugler Green Wrap DressBy Thierry MuglerLocated in Water Mill, NYA fabulous forest green wool military influence dress by Thierry Mugler. It has a small stand up collar, long sleeves with cuffs and 2 bodice patch pockets. The dress skirt wraps ac...Category
1990s French Day Dresses
- Vicky Tiel Eggplant Pleated Taffeta and Lace Dress - 46 - 1980'sBy Vicky TielLocated in West Palm Beach, FLThis Vicky Tiel dress is a stunning vintage piece with pleated silk taffeta on the skirt and sleeves. The bodice has lace and the bust has ruched fabric. The dress also has boning on...Category
1980s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- F/2015 L#16 VERSUS VERSACE+ANTHONY V.ASYMMETRIC BLACK DRESS w/DEEP V-NECK 40 - 4By VersaceLocated in Montgomery, TXVERSACE VERSUS + Anthony Vaccarello PR-sample Collection Fall 2015 Look #16 Black dress For a seductive LBD that packs a punch, turn to Versus Versace. This dress has sleevel...Category
2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- F/2015 L#16 VERSUS VERSACE+ANTHONY V.ASYMMETRIC BLACK DRESS w/DEEP V-NECK 38 - 2By VersaceLocated in Montgomery, TXVERSACE VERSUS + Anthony Vaccarello PR-sample Collection Fall 2015 Look #16 Black dress For a seductive LBD that packs a punch, turn to Versus Versace. This dress has sleevel...Category
2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- New VERSACE CUTOUT BLACK LEATHER DRESS 38 - 2By VersaceLocated in Montgomery, TXVERSACE This black leather dress features Keith Haring-inspired cutouts and a rose-gold lamé underlay that adds a sweet flourish to the sharp silhouette. Black leather Cutou...Category
2010s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- New VERSACE BLACK TULLE and LEATHER DRESS 40 - 4By VersaceLocated in Montgomery, TXVERSACE This dress has a tulle bodysuit and leather skirt back zip Silver-tone Medusa hardware Long sleeve Content: 94% nylon, 6% elastane lini...Category
2010s Italian Day Dresses
- Hanae Mori Calligraphic Print GownBy Hanae MoriLocated in New York, NYHanae Mori calligraphic print gown in graphic black and white semi sheer georgette. One piece gown with tucked bib and button placket at...Category
1990s Japanese Maxi Dresses