Skip to main content

Don Loper Clothing

American, 1906-1972

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.

to
8
1
5
2
8
8
3,685
2,261
2,192
1,792
8
8
8
Designer: Don Loper
Don Loper day-to-evening dress
Don Loper day-to-evening dress

Don Loper day-to-evening dress

By Don Loper

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A wonderful sexy little day dress in cream wool with green accents. Very 'Mad Men'

Category

1960s American Don Loper Clothing

DON LOPER 1950's Yellow Silk embroidered Coat and Dress Ensemble Size 2
DON LOPER 1950's Yellow Silk embroidered Coat and Dress Ensemble Size 2

DON LOPER 1950's Yellow Silk embroidered Coat and Dress Ensemble Size 2

By Don Loper

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Don Loper design features two pieces composed of silk. The coat features an embroidered pattern and an open draped style. The classic style dress has short sleeves with a peplum...

Category

1950s American Don Loper Clothing

Don Loper Black Cocktail Dress, Circa 1940
Don Loper Black Cocktail Dress, Circa 1940

Don Loper Black Cocktail Dress, Circa 1940

By Don Loper

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a vintage black cocktail dress by Don Loper, from the 1940's. The dress has gathering detail down the side seam, a fitted waist, hooks at the top shoulder, and a zipper at th...

Category

1940s American Don Loper Clothing

Don Loper Black Long Sleeve Wool Back Zip Dress Fur Cuffs & Side Slit Size 6
Don Loper Black Long Sleeve Wool Back Zip Dress Fur Cuffs & Side Slit Size 6

Don Loper Black Long Sleeve Wool Back Zip Dress Fur Cuffs & Side Slit Size 6

By Don Loper

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a very charming 1960's vintage cocktail dress from Don Loper. It is a sheath silhouette with long sleeves and real fur at the cuffs. There is piping on the princess seams. Th...

Category

1960s American Don Loper Clothing

DON LOPER 1950's Yellow Floral Embroidered Cocktail Dress with Belt & Bow Size 2
DON LOPER 1950's Yellow Floral Embroidered Cocktail Dress with Belt & Bow Size 2

DON LOPER 1950's Yellow Floral Embroidered Cocktail Dress with Belt & Bow Size 2

By Don Loper

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This Don Loper design is composed of a yellow embroidered floral print fabric. Features a center back of the neck bow. There is a center back zippre closure. In excellent vintage con...

Category

1950s American Don Loper Clothing

Related Items
Christian Dior 1960s Ivory Velvet Maxi Dress
Christian Dior 1960s Ivory Velvet Maxi Dress

Christian Dior 1960s Ivory Velvet Maxi Dress

By Christian Dior

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

The Christian Dior 1960s Ivory Velvet Maxi Dress sounds like an exquisite and timeless piece, perfect for adding a touch of luxury and elegance to any wardrobe. The ivory off-white ...

Category

1960s Don Loper Clothing

Canada Goose Expedition Hooded Parka
Canada Goose Expedition Hooded Parka

Canada Goose Expedition Hooded Parka

By Canada Goose

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Introducing the Canada Goose Expedition Hooded Parka - your key to unbeatable warmth and style! Crafted by Canada Goose, the Expedition Parka is your go-to choice for all adventures. Designed to keep you cozy in the harshest of conditions, the expedition parka is a wardrobe essential for any adventurer. With an array of pockets, it's your perfect companion for keeping essentials at your fingertips, whether you're hiking, traveling, or just out and about. Featuring a drawstring hood and a luxurious natural coyote fur trim, this parka keeps the cold at bay while providing a touch of elegance. Built with a nylon lining, it's engineered to tackle extreme climates and conditions, making it ideal for your winter expeditions. Stand out in the crowd with its striking bright red color. Be both warm and fashionable this winter season! Style this with some Moncler pants, a Louis Vuitton beanie...

Category

2010s Canadian Don Loper Clothing

ISSEY MIYAKE 1997 Guest Artist Series No. 2 Nobuyoshi Araki beige Dress
ISSEY MIYAKE 1997 Guest Artist Series No. 2 Nobuyoshi Araki beige Dress

ISSEY MIYAKE 1997 Guest Artist Series No. 2 Nobuyoshi Araki beige Dress

By Issey Miyake Guest Artist, Issey Miyake

Located in 上海市, Xuhui district

NOTE: COLOR OF THIS ITEM PLEASE CHECK CLOSE-UP IMAGES (the one with tags) This bold and artistic mini dress features a striking beige base with intricate pleated detailing that crea...

Category

1990s Japanese Don Loper Clothing

Gucci by Tom Ford black bias cut silk crepe chiffon evening slip dress, ss 1997
Gucci by Tom Ford black bias cut silk crepe chiffon evening slip dress, ss 1997

Gucci by Tom Ford black bias cut silk crepe chiffon evening slip dress, ss 1997

By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci

Located in London, GB

▪ Gucci black evening slip dress ▪ Designed by Tom Ford ▪ Spring-Summer 1997 ▪ Constructed from black bias-cut silk-rayon blend crepe chiffon ▪ Double-layered ▪ Scoop neck ▪ Spaghett...

Category

1990s Italian Don Loper Clothing

Christian Dior Long Red Blended Mohair Coat, 1999
Christian Dior Long Red Blended Mohair Coat, 1999

Christian Dior Long Red Blended Mohair Coat, 1999

By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Dior - (Made in France) Long red blended mohair coat. Size S indicated. 1999 Fall-Winter Collection under the artistic direction of John Galliano. Additional information: Condition:...

Category

20th Century French Don Loper Clothing

Documented 1982 Yves Saint Laurent multicolor striped dress
Documented 1982 Yves Saint Laurent multicolor striped dress

Documented 1982 Yves Saint Laurent multicolor striped dress

By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche

Located in CULEMBORG, GE

When Yves Saint Laurent visited Morocco for the first time in 1966 it changed his life forever. Struck by its beauty he immediately acquired a house in Marrakech and stayed there at least two times a year to design his collections. Yves Saint Laurent once said: ‘Marrakech opened my eyes to color.’ The colors of the stained glass windows and beamed ceilings of the Bahia Palace in Marrakech are a perfect example what inspired him when designing this particular dress for his Rive Gauche collection that came out in 1982. The exciting mix of vivid colors Yves Saint Laurent used designing this dress have a pattern of vertical stripes in lively red, purple indigo, apple green and Dijon yellow alternated with thin black and white stripes. Adding a pussy bow and bishop sleeves gives the entire look an elegant feel. The high quality silk is in a very good vintage condition and has been professionally cleaned and pressed. The state of this unique Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche dress is very good, only a small piece of the original mother-of-pearl button left hand button has chipped off (see the last photograph), but can be easily replaced. As you wish we can replace this with a new button without charging extra costs. The dress that was also featured in Vogue magazine in a 1982 Yves...

Category

1980s French Don Loper Clothing

MISSONI gold & white viscose 2022 LUREX CROCHET BEACH Dress 40 S
MISSONI gold & white viscose 2022 LUREX CROCHET BEACH Dress 40 S

MISSONI gold & white viscose 2022 LUREX CROCHET BEACH Dress 40 S

By Missoni

Located in Zürich, CH

This 100% authentic Missoni Mare beach cover-up dress in metallic gold and white sheer crochet knit (67% viscose, 21% cupro, 12% polyester - please note the content tag is missing) c...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Don Loper Clothing

Miu Miu by Miuccia Prada green wool fleece slip dress with crystals, ss 1998
Miu Miu by Miuccia Prada green wool fleece slip dress with crystals, ss 1998

Miu Miu by Miuccia Prada green wool fleece slip dress with crystals, ss 1998

By Prada, Miu Miu

Located in London, GB

Miu Miu wool fleece slip dress ▪ Designed by Miuccia Prada ▪ Allover flat-back crystals ▪ Lace-up ties to the front opening ▪ Loose fit ▪ Fully line...

Category

1990s Italian Don Loper Clothing

Calvin Klein Black Lace Cocktail Dress, c. 1990s.
Calvin Klein Black Lace Cocktail Dress, c. 1990s.

Calvin Klein Black Lace Cocktail Dress, c. 1990s.

By Calvin Klein

Located in New York, NY

Calvin Klein Black Lace Cocktail Dress, c. 1990s. Calvin Klein Black Lace Cocktail Dress featuring low cut V-ncekline and shoulder pads. Beautiful Lace hem extends past chiffon linin...

Category

1990s American Don Loper Clothing

Sequin jacket and dress ensemble Alfred Bosand
Sequin jacket and dress ensemble Alfred Bosand

Sequin jacket and dress ensemble Alfred Bosand

By Alfred Bosand

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Sequin jacket and dress ensemble. No fabric composition tag but the lining is probably acetate. One hook&eye closure on the top middle front. Zip closure on the middle back of the d...

Category

1970s American Don Loper Clothing

Previously Available Items
Don Loper 1960s Jacket and Vest
Don Loper 1960s Jacket and Vest

Don Loper 1960s Jacket and Vest

By Don Loper

Located in Water Mill, NY

Designer Don Loper of 'I love Lucy' fame created this great vest and jacket set in an off white, black and red check wool. The vest has 4 carved mother of pearl buttons with bound b...

Category

1960s American Don Loper Clothing

1950s Don Loper Satin and Lace Dress
1950s Don Loper Satin and Lace Dress

1950s Don Loper Satin and Lace Dress

By Don Loper

Located in New York, NY

Silk satin and chiffon with lace built on a boned bodice of rayon, structured and ladylike.

Category

1950s American Don Loper Clothing

1960s Don Loper red sheath satin cocktail dress
1960s Don Loper red sheath satin cocktail dress

1960s Don Loper red sheath satin cocktail dress

By Don Loper

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Sexy and timeless early 1960s sheath Cocktail dress by Don Loper. Satin belt. Bows on shoulder. Classic Audrey Hepburn style. Bust: 36"/ W: 24"...

Category

1960s American Don Loper Clothing

1950s Don Loper Blonde Astrakan Broadtail Fingertip Length Mink Trimmed Jacket
1950s Don Loper Blonde Astrakan Broadtail Fingertip Length Mink Trimmed Jacket

1950s Don Loper Blonde Astrakan Broadtail Fingertip Length Mink Trimmed Jacket

By Don Loper

Located in Gresham, OR

1950s Don Loper blonde astrakan/broadtail fingertip-length double-breasted jacket with mink trimmed collar and cuffs. Braid trimmed buttons. Silk lined.

Category

1950s American Don Loper Clothing

Incredible Don Loper Vintage 1960s Black Velvet + Wool Striped Swing Coat
Incredible Don Loper Vintage 1960s Black Velvet + Wool Striped Swing Coat

Incredible Don Loper Vintage 1960s Black Velvet + Wool Striped Swing Coat

By Don Loper

Located in Sparks, NV

Absolutely incredible vintage Don Loper swing coat in blocked velvet and wool panels. Iconic 1960s mod silhouette with a massive 76" bottom sweep. Neckline has a slightly curved shap...

Category

1960s American Don Loper Clothing

Don Loper Navy Silk Portrait Collar Jacket & Skirt Ensemble Circa 1950's
Don Loper Navy Silk Portrait Collar Jacket & Skirt Ensemble Circa 1950's

Don Loper Navy Silk Portrait Collar Jacket & Skirt Ensemble Circa 1950's

By Don Loper

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This fabulous Don Loper jacket, comprised of navy silk shantung, features a perfectly placed portrait collar, three-quarter length bracelet sleeves, and off-center covered buttons do...

Category

1950s American Don Loper Clothing

Don Loper 1940s Vintage Black Crepe Cocoon Cape Dress
Don Loper 1940s Vintage Black Crepe Cocoon Cape Dress

Don Loper 1940s Vintage Black Crepe Cocoon Cape Dress

By Don Loper

Located in Sparks, NV

Vintage black crepe dress dress by couture designer Don Loper. Unique ruched empire waist with attached cocoon shaped cape attached. Details: Partially Lined Back Metal Zip an...

Category

1940s American Don Loper Clothing

1940s Vintage Don Loper of Bevery Hills Charcoal Skirt Suit
1940s Vintage Don Loper of Bevery Hills Charcoal Skirt Suit

1940s Vintage Don Loper of Bevery Hills Charcoal Skirt Suit

By Don Loper

Located in San Diego, CA

Striking vintage 1940s Don Loper of Beverly Hills skirt suit. Features silver buttons up the bodice, and inner snaps at collar. Matching wool ribbon attached at the waist to tie into...

Category

1940s Don Loper Clothing

1950's Don Loper White and Black Velvet Trim Checker Plaid Cocoon Coat
1950's Don Loper White and Black Velvet Trim Checker Plaid Cocoon Coat

1950's Don Loper White and Black Velvet Trim Checker Plaid Cocoon Coat

By Don Loper

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a beautiful Don Loper Coat. The coat is circa 1950's. The cocoon style is contoured by dolman sleeves. This 3/4 length coat features a velvet trim, two front pockets, and fro...

Category

1950s American Don Loper Clothing

Don Loper Vintage 1950s Floral Print Hourglass Wiggle Dress
Don Loper Vintage 1950s Floral Print Hourglass Wiggle Dress

Don Loper Vintage 1950s Floral Print Hourglass Wiggle Dress

By Don Loper

Located in Sparks, NV

Vibrant screen printed wiggle dress by Don Loper from the 1950s in shades of mustard and blood orange. Love the 50s hourglass silhouette and tiny nipped waist! DETAILS: Fully lin...

Category

1950s American Don Loper Clothing

Don Loper clothing for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Don Loper clothing available on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing our collection of unique vintage and designer fashion to elevate your daily look or to introduce new colors to the dazzling formal wear in your wardrobe, this designer’s body of work includes elements of red and other tones. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Suzy Perette, Isaac Mizrahi, and Hattie Carnegie appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Don Loper clothing from top boutiques around the world. Don Loper clothing prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $400 and tops out at $1,895, while the average work can sell for $895.