The chic fashion label Albert Nipon began in 1954 as a maternity-wear company founded by married couple Albert and Pearl Nipon in their native city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Pearl, who’d been cutting and sewing fabric since she was a child, had previously run a dress shop with her sister before marrying Albert in 1953. When she was pregnant, Pearl found that the available clothes for expectant mothers “looked just terrible,” as she told WWD in 1974, so she decided to design her own line. Called Ma Mère, their company grew into a successful enterprise, eventually home to more than 100 stores nationwide. In the early 1970s, the couple decided to sell the maternity business to focus on a high-end women’s fashion label they named Albert Nipon. Pearl maintained the role of couturier, and her natural elegance and flair for fashion design helped make Albert Nipon an enduring success.
At the time of Albert Nipon’s founding, pantsuits and separates were in fashion. Despite this, the Nipons chose to focus on dresses. Pearl and Albert knew that their dresses — with their woven and natural fibers, intricate details and chic European sensibility — were unlike others on the market. The label would become known for its use of pussycat bows, elegant collars, cuffs, tucks and pleats. Their risk paid off, and at its peak Albert Nipon was generating $60 million in annual dress sales.
Celebrities such as Mary Tyler Moore, Barbara Walters and Rosalynn Carter wore Albert Nipon’s designs, and major retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Lord & Taylor carried the house’s dresses. Pearl Nipon’s instinctive sense of what women wanted their clothes to look like — stylish, feminine, comfortable and with unusual detailing — made Albert Nipon one of the most popular labels of its time.
Find vintage Albert Nipon dresses, scarves and other accessories on 1stDibs.
Albert Nipon Gold Lame Top
By Albert Nipon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A glamorous vintage top by Albert Nipon, crafted in shimmering gold lamé with a cropped silhouette and voluminous, mid-length bubble sleeves. Tiered layers at the bust add dimension ...
$525Sale Price|22% Off
Vintage Albert Nipon 1990s Black Polka Dot Origami Strapless Silk Dress Size 6
By Albert Nipon
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic vintage ALBERT NIPON 90s black strapless silk dress! Features black polka dots throughout, origami pleated side waist detail, and a pleated hem. Such a a flattering little black...
Albert Nipon Plum with Grey Mini Circles Pleated Skirt Shirtwaist Dress 1970s
By Albert Nipon
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Albert Nipon plum with grey mini dotted circles, pleated Shirtwaist Dress from the 1970s. Button front dress with a Peter Pan collar that has attached narrow ties at the neck. Yoke ...
1980S ALBERT NIPON Black Beaded Rayon & Silk Lace Sequined Strapless Cocktail D
By Albert Nipon
Located in New York, NY
1980S ALBERT NIPON Black Beaded Rayon & Silk Lace Sequined Strapless Cocktail Dress With Taffeta Waist Bow
Vintage Albert Nipon 1990s Black Silk Floral Print Dress US Size 10
By Albert Nipon
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned vintage Albert Nipon for Nipon Boutique silk dress, likely dating to the 1990s. Rendered in black silk with a vivid floral print thr...
1980s Albert Nipon Size 10 Blue Silk Abstract Stiped Vintage 80s Belted Dress
By Albert Nipon
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic vintage 1980s ALBERT NIPON blue abstract striped print silk belted dress ! Features a pleated bodice with black brush like stripes throughout. Bishop style sleeves with buttons ...
Nipon Boutique Pin Tucked Floral Dress
By Albert Nipon
Located in New York, NY
Charming Nipon Boutique Pin Tucked Floral Dress with self belt. Pin tucked on bodice and puff sleeves with ruffled hem. Back zip entry with wide scoop neckline. Size 8 Vintage. 1980'...
Amazing Graphic Silk Crepe Dress, Albert Nipon
By Albert Nipon
Located in New York, NY
Super Graphic SIlk Crepe Dress with an amazing vibrant print by Albert Nipon NY. Easy to wear with elastic waist and tucked bodice which release into ...
Albert Nipon Wonderfully Elegant Ivory Borders "French Lace" Silk Scarf
By Albert Nipon
Located in New York, NY
Albert Nipon wonderfully elegant ivory with "French Lace" silk scarf with rolled edges, measures 32 inches by 31 inches. Made in Italy.
1980s Italian Gold Tone Unisex Dress Size M in Excellent Condition
Located in Capri, IT
1980s Gold tone Dress Totally made in italy in italian size range M
Valentino Spring Summer 2000 green silk lace appliqués top
By Valentino
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful and rare Valentino chartreuse green silk camisole top with lace appliqués from the Spring Summer 2000 collection. As seen on the runway, and similar seen in the campaign. ...
Miu Miu Archive Denim Midi dress Runway SS 2006
By Miu Miu
Located in Genève, CH
Miu Miu structured denim midi dress from S/S 2006 runway, a masterclass in architectural tailoring with contrast denim trim framing the neckline and hem, and pintuck detailing at the...
S/S 1998 Thierry Mugler Silver Abstract Pendant Brown Wrap Drape Maxi Dress FR38
By Thierry Mugler
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a brown Thierry Mugler wrap dress designed by Manfred Mugler. From the Spring/Summer 1998, this midi dress features silver-tone hoop accents and a tie at the waist. Simila...
1980s Lily Rubin Carwash Dress
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
These photos do no justice to the movement of this incredible 1980s Lily Rubin Dress! Covered in long strips of black carwash style fabric. Flattering empir...
$1,295
Size: 10 (Vintage)
EMILIO PUCCI c.1960's Blue Signature Print V-neckline Long Sleeve Silk Dress
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Thiensville, WI
Vintage c.1960's Emilio Pucci signature print in shades of blue, gray, and cream silk jersey dress. Long sleeves. V-neckline. Yoked waist. Gathered skirt with center pleat detail. De...
MOSCHINO Vintage Crochet Knit Black Midi Dress 1990s
By Moschino Cheap and Chic
Located in Genève, CH
Discover timeless elegance with this vintage Moschino crochet knit black midi dress from the 1990s. Featuring intricate floral mesh embroidery, this ...
F/W 2002 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Runway Black Lace Poet's Dress FR38
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a gorgeous black lace Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche dress, designed by Tom Ford. From the Fall/Winter 2002 collection, this dress debuted on the season's runway as look 3...
2000s Anthony Vaccarello for Versus Versace Strapless Dress
By Versace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Sexiest Cocktail Dress Is Here! Circa late 2000s, this dress is designed by Anthony Vaccarello who created a capsule collection for Versus Versace from 2014-2016. This mini strap...
Newspaper/gazette/newspaper print slip dress, an iconic John Galliano design.
By John Galliano
Located in Sewickley, PA
Newspaper/gazette/newspaper print slip dress, an iconic John Galliano design. ICONIC PRINT , excellent condition NEWSPAPER PRINT SLIP DRESS Newspaper print slip dress by John Gall...
$2,400
Size: Small but fits much Larger
EMA SAVAHL COUTURE Hand Painted Ivory Pleated Lace Backless Gown Maxi Dress
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Ema Savahl Couture Hand painted appliques hand placed onto garment Warm toned vanilla ivory Entirely made in the USA Plunge neckline and open back Pullover Adjustable back tie Labele...
Alexander McQueen FW 09 Black Satin Tuxedo Dress IT 40 Rare Archival Lee McQueen
By Alexander McQueen
Located in London, GB
ULTRA RARE ALEXANDER MCQUEEN FALL WINTER 2009 RUNWAY & ARCHIVAL TUXEDO LAPEL KNEE-LENGTH SHEATH DRESS An exceptionally rare and highly collectable Alexander McQueen Autumn/Winte...
Roberto Cavalli Silk Halter-Neck Evening Dress Gown With Train, S/S 2005/2004
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in North Wales, PA
Abundantia Curation newest addition: A breathtaking Roberto Cavalli evening gown from the Spring/Summer 2005 collection, showcasing the designer’s mastery of romantic glamour and sen...
Gucci Cobalt Blue Silk Gown with Cut-outs
By Gucci
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous cobalt blue silk gown from Gucci. It has multiple straps in front creating oblong cut outs and a cut out at the upper back also. It skims ...
$2,061
Size: Equivalent French Size 34/36
A French Crinoline Changing Taffeta Dress - Napoléon III Period Circa 1855.
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1855. France French Day dress with bodice and round crinoline skirt in changing and noising taffeta dating from the beginning of the Second French Empire. Boned bodice with int...
ALBERT NIPON c.1970’s Burnt Orange Gold Metallic Caftan Dress + Belt Sash
By Albert Nipon
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALBERT NIPON c.1970’s Burnt Orange Gold Metallic Caftan Dress + Belt Sash Circa: 1970’s Label(s): Albert Nipon / ILGWU Int. Ladies Garment Workers Union Style: Caftan dress Color...
Albert Nipon 1980s Gucci Style Bow Neck Button Down Dress
By Albert Nipon
Located in New York, NY
Albert Nipon 1980s Gucci Style Bow Neck Button Down Dress
Albert Nipon Gucci Style Plaid Silk Dress
By Albert Nipon
Located in New York, NY
Albert Nipon Gucci Style Plaid Silk Dress
1980s Strapless Albert Nipon Demi-Couture Silk Dress with Bows
By Albert Nipon
Located in New York, NY
Bands of luscious duchess silk in rich jewel tones adorned with large satin bows is the principle design element to this fun little dress by French designer Albert Nipon. Fully lined...
Albert Nipon Steel-Gray & Black Stripe Domain-Sleeve Silk Pleated Ensemble
By Albert Nipon
Located in New York, NY
Albert Nipon's wonderfully elegant two-piece steel-gray & black silk domain-sleeve pleated ensemble is detailed with detailed top-stitching on the collar. The center-front as we...
Albert Nipon Cotton Floral Multi-Colored Tiered Summer Dress
By Albert Nipon
Located in Studio City, CA
Albert Nipon cotton multi-colored floral summer dress with tiered skirt, spaghetti straps, square neckline, elastic waist and side zipper closure. In excellent condition - please see...
Albert Nipon for I Magnin Vintage Black and Pink Sequin Ostrich Feather Dress
By Albert Nipon, I Magnin and Co
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing vintage 1970s / 70s ALBERT NIPON for I. MAGNIN black cotton velvet dress! Features an embroidered, encrusted with hundreds of hot pink fuch...
1970s Albert Nipon for I. Magnin Vintage Pleated Burgundy Dress
By Albert Nipon
Located in Sparks, NV
Deep burgundy dress by Albert Nipon for I. Magnin. Pin tuck pleats, full balloon sleeves and wrap around sash. Details: Unlined Front Slit Pockets Button Front Closure Mark...
1980s Floral Summer Cocktail Dress
By Albert Nipon
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Tea length rayon floral summer dress with hand tied halter detail. Tag reads 10, fits more like a 6 with room for a slightly larger bust, boned bodice. Feminine 80's look in excellen...
1980's Albert NIpon Floral Silk Day Dress
By Albert Nipon
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Classic Albert Nipon silk floral daydress from the late 1980s. The black dress has an all over pattern of green and white flowers with a touch of red...
ALBERT NIPON Black Gown with Peplum and Draped Rose Size 6
By Albert Nipon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Albert Nipon gown is composed of a black crepe textured fabric. Features a strapless design with top stitch satin peplum and draped rose detail There is a center back zipper cl...
1970s Gingham and Denim Maxi Dress
By Albert Nipon
Located in Alford, MA
1970s maxi dress, its shirt-style, high-waisted bodice in red and white gingham checks with wide collar and yoke. Below is a denim-colored cotton skirt, its top half featuring red st...
ALBERT NIPON Black and White Cocktail Dress with Floral Applique Size 2-4
By Albert Nipon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Albert Nipon dress is composed of a white and black color blocked fabric with a floral print applique. Features puffed shoulders and sheer sl...
Chic Vintage Albert Nipon Tropical Hawaiian Floral Line Wrap Dress
By Albert Nipon
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic vintage Albert Nipon colorful linen wrap dress! Double breasted, functional buttons on bodice, with snaps at bust, and at skirt. Wonderful mari...
Striking Vintage Albert Nipon for Bergdorf Goodman Sz 12 Black Velvet Wrap Dress
By Albert Nipon, Bergdorf Goodman
Located in San Diego, CA
Striking, and super flattering vintage Albert Nipon, for Bergdorf Goodman, black silk velvet wrap dress! Billow sleeves, with black silk cuffs. ...