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Jean Muir

British, 1928-1995

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.

Average Sold Price
$829
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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 Jean Muir

1970S JEAN MUIR Ecru Rayon Jersey Slinky Bow Neck Halter Dress
By Jean Muir
Located in New York, NY
1970S JEAN MUIR Ecru Rayon Jersey Slinky Bow Neck Halter Dress
Category

1970s Jean Muir

Jean Muir Long Dress Black Jersey Asymmetric Hem with Plunge Neckline Vintage
By Jean Muir
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Fabulous Jean Muir! This understated yet stunning long maxi dress features Muir's signature design elements: flowing jersey fabric, tons of movement and figure-flattering constructio...
Category

1970s British Jean Muir

Jean Muir Jacket Black Suede Perforated Trim Lucite Buttons Retro Mod 70s Sz 8
By Jean Muir
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
This incredibly supple black suede jacket was designed by Jean Muir in the late 1970s. Made from black suede leather, it fastens with lucite barrel buttons and has a perforated bord...
Category

1970s British Jean Muir

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 Jean Muir

1967 Jean Muir Documented Psychedelic Op-Art Sheer Silk Tunic Mini Dress & Pants
By Jean Muir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An ultra rare and incredibly gorgeous Jean Muir colorful psychedelic graphic print sheer silk chiffon tunic pantsuit dating back to her 1967 spring/summer collection. As shown, British actress Joanna Lumley was famously photographed twice in a sheer set...
Category

1960s English Jean Muir

Jean Muir White Polka Dot Top with Scarf Size S
By Jean Muir
Located in London, GB
CONDITION is Good. Minor wear to the Top is evident. Light discolouration on both inner cuffs, front second button, collar, shoulder pads, both sleeves and inner button lining on thi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Jean Muir

Jean Muir Jacket Wool Romantic Micro Pleat Collar Soutache Sleeves Vintage Rare
By Jean Muir
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned, vintage Jean Muir black wool jacket with micro pleat collar, likely made in the 80s. Romantic and sophisticated, it features a micro-pleat collar and hem, with S...
Category

1970s British Jean Muir

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Jean Muir fashion for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Jean Muir fashion 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 blue, purple, red and other tones. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Frank Usher, Zandra Rhodes, and Ossie Clark appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Jean Muir fashion from top boutiques around the world. Jean Muir fashion prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $141 and tops out at $2,000, while the average work can sell for $434.
Questions About Jean Muir
  • 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 19, 2025
    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.

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