Skip to main content
Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

What was Jean Muir famous for?

1 Answer
What was Jean Muir famous for?
Jean Muir was famous for her work in fashion. With simple, classic designs, she 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. On 1stDibs, find a range of Jean Muir apparel and accessories.
1stDibs ExpertJanuary 19, 2025
Shop for Jean Muir Fashion on 1stDibs
1970s Jean Muir Red Moire Jersey Long-Sleeved Maxi Dress
By Jean Muir
Located in London, GB
A really great example, this viscose jersey dress is from iconic British designer Jean Muir and was designed during her 1970s heyday. It features a generously cut loose body and full...
Category

1970s British Evening Dresses

Jean Muir Cut out Maxi Dress 1970s
By Jean Muir
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black jersey full length dress gown from legendary British designer Jean Muir. This dress has lots of detail- cut outs at the shoulders, upper and mid back with shoulder d...
Category

1970s English Day Dresses

Jean Muir Silk Polka Dot Dress
By Jean Muir
Located in London, GB
A cute dress by Jean Muir, made for Harrods, London. The dress is made of sik and has an ivory background with brown polka dots. It has short angel like sle...
Category

1970s English Day Dresses

Divine 1970s Jean Muir Pleated Chiffon Ivory Black Dots Layered dress
By Jean Muir
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The self-taught Jean Muir made her name in the 1960s, creating a reputation for exquisitely tailored timeless, feminine clothing. Having previously worked as a designer for the famous textile house, Liberty of London, Muir’s designs are extremely fluid and often incorporate simple jersey or suede fabrics with small craft details throughout. Of her work, Muir has noted that she is more concerned with the process of engineering garments to make “beautiful shapes” rather than designing clothes. Her pieces are held in museums worldwide and she has been hailed as the greatest dressmaker in the world, in a league with Madame Grès, Chanel, and Vionnet. Done in an ivory chiffon featuring a print of large and small black polka dots, this divine Jean Muir dress is effortless and regal at once. The gathered bodice begins with a high square neckline and layered sheer angel sleeves. The knife-pleated chiffon creates a pleasing rhythm throughout, adding another dimension to the layered flounces of the skirt and fluttering elbow-length sleeves. The skirt falls from a high fitted waist to a maxi length just above the ankles, creating a classic, elegant silhouette, while decorative black stitching at the neckline and waist adds a note of refined elegance. Size estimate: SML/MED Measurements: Bust: 34 inches Waist: 28 inches Hips: up to 38 inches Length: 54 inches From the bust waistline, a layer of chiffon creates a long, knee-length flounce, bringing a fullness to the otherwise columnar structure of the dress. The hems of the sleeves and both layers of the skirt are edged in black silk, adding a nice contrast of texture along with striking pop of color. An excellent choice for a wedding or special occasion, this Jean Muir dress has stunning proportions and can easily be worn as a day-to-night look. This vintage Jean Muir dress...
Category

1970s British Evening Dresses and Gowns

Vintage Jean Muir Mainline Black Cocktail / Dinner Dress
By Jean Muir
Located in London, GB
A chic vintage little black dress from Jean Muir , mainline. The dress is in a great quality viscose, and has a round neckline, and elbow length sleaves . It is unlined and has a 5'...
Category

1980s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Jean Muir Dress Documented 1971 Rare
By Jean Muir
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This Dress just takes my breath away! It is one of my favorites from Jean Muir. The fabric with a moire effect has incredible drape, that just flows and moves with your body. Empir...
Category

1970s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Shop All