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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.

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Designer: Don Loper
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 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 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

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 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

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Previously Available Items
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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"...

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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

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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.

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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

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Located in Sparks, NV

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

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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

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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

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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...

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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...

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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

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50s Don Loper Dress Suit of Cappuccino Silk Floral Lace
50s Don Loper Dress Suit of Cappuccino Silk Floral Lace

50s Don Loper Dress Suit of Cappuccino Silk Floral Lace

By Don Loper

Located in Gresham, OR

A gorgeous 50s strapless dress suit from the famous Don Loper: Silk floral lace in a lovely cappuccino with satin bodice trim, bows and matching button-up jacket. Fully lined and s...

Category

1950s American Don Loper Clothing

Don Loper 1950s Cappuccino Brown Lace Suit w/ Portrait Collar
Don Loper 1950s Cappuccino Brown Lace Suit w/ Portrait Collar

Don Loper 1950s Cappuccino Brown Lace Suit w/ Portrait Collar

By Don Loper

Located in Gresham, OR

A beautiful, classic Don Loper 1950s cappuccino brown lace skirt suit with silk satin portrait collar and matching satin buttons. Quite beautifully tailored and lined as one would e...

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1950s American Don Loper Clothing

Don Loper Vintage Navy Blue Wool Overcoat, 1950's
Don Loper Vintage Navy Blue Wool Overcoat, 1950's

Don Loper Vintage Navy Blue Wool Overcoat, 1950's

By Don Loper

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a classic style vintage overcoat from Don Loper. It is made of a soft but heavy navy blue wool with a navy blue crepe lining. There are 2 patc...

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.