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...
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.
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...
Jean Muir Black Rayon Jersey Sequin V-Neck Maxi Dress, 1970s
By Jean Muir
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Slinky and sexy 70s dress by cult favorite English designer, Jean Muir. Black matte jersey rayon with black sequin detail punctuating the deep v-neckline. Matching black sequins at c...
Vintage Jean Muir for Fortnum and Mason Black Dress with Decorative Buttons
By Jean Muir
Located in London, GB
A chic and easy to wear vintage dress by Jean Muir for Fortnum and Mason . The dress has decorative buttons, and is in a moire effect fabric. Size 10 UK , measurements: Bust 36/37''...
Vintage Jean Muir Aubergine Skirt
By Jean Muir
Located in London, GB
A great vintage skirt by Jean Muir, main line. In a wonderful rich purple colour, the skirt has great stitch detail and tailoring as you would expect. The skirt is unlined, and has...
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...
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...
Vintage Jean Muir Cashmere Jumper
By Jean Muir
Located in London, GB
A chic and cosy vintage cashmere jumper by Jean Muir. The jumper is in a pretty soft apricot colour , with elbow length sleaves. Measurements: ...
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
Jean Muir Jacket Black Suede Perforated Trim Lucite Buttons Retro Mod 70s Sz 8
By Jean Muir
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
An exceptionally chic vintage Jean Muir black suede jacket, dating to the late 1970s and crafted with the designer’s signature understated elegance. Made from buttery-soft black sued...
1970s Jean Muir Black Jersey Maxi Dress with Ribbon Work
By Jean Muir
Located in London, GB
This true vintage Jean Muir black jersey maxi dress was designed during her 1970s heyday. Made in England, it features a generously cut, loose body and full-flowing skirt that falls ...
1970s Jean Muir Cotton Voile Black + Raspberry Pink Vintage 70s Maxi Dress
By Jean Muir
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 1970s JEAN MUIR black and raspberry pink cotton voile long sleeve maxi dress ! I had this same dress a few years ago, and it sold almost instantly. Soft light weight cotton...
Vintage Jean Muir Turquoise Silk Jacket
By Jean Muir
Located in London, GB
A stunning jacket by British designer Jean Muir .In an stunning turquoise colour with dark blue lining, this jacket will brighten up any outfit. The jacket has a round collar, with a...
Jean Muir Black Wool Jacket with Micro Pleated Collar & Cinched Waist Vintage
By Jean Muir
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic vintage Jean Muir black wool jacket featuring the designer’s signature romantic minimalism and impeccable craftsmanship. Likely made in the 1980s, this rare piece showcases...
Jean Muir Vintage Black Jersey Long Dress Gown Plunge Neckline Asymmetric Hem
By Jean Muir
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Fabulous 1970s Jean Muir Black Jersey Maxi Dress – Plunge Neckline & Asymmetric Hem A quintessential example of Jean Muir’s refined 1970s style, this vintage black jersey maxi dress...
1980s Jean Muir Royal Blue Jersey Dress With Ruffle Trim
By Jean Muir
Located in London, GB
This vibrant 1980s Royal blue jersey dress is by iconic British designer Jean Muir and is in pristine vintage condition with some lovely design features. The dress is long sleeved wi...
Vintage Jean Muir Mainline Wool Check Coat
By Jean Muir
Located in London, GB
A fun vintage check wool coat by Jean Muir, main line. The coat is in a blue ,brown and grey check, and is unlined. The coat has a single button cuff and a pocket on either side. U...
1980s Jean Muir Grey Silk Batwing Blouse
By Jean Muir
Located in London, GB
This 1980s Jean Muir batwing blouse is crafted from an incredibly soft silk, in a lovely deep gunmetal grey colour. It has shoulder padding to create a more structured silhouette and...
1970's Jean Muir Navy Blue Long Sleeve Gown
By Jean Muir
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1970's navy blue, long sleeve polyester jersey gown with a yoke and hand smocking through the shoulders and bust. Cuffs have two fabric covered buttons and the sleeves are over sized...
Vintage Jean Muir Blue Punched Suede Coat Dress circa late 1970s Rare
By Jean Muir
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Beautifully crafted in soft blue suede leather, this rare Jean Muir piece features an allover punched design that adds texture and dimension to its clean, modern silhouette. The shor...
1970's Jean Muir Navy Rayon Jersey Maxi Dress
By Jean Muir
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Jean Muir navy rayon jersey long sleeve maxi dress from the 1970’s. Round neckline buttons down the front with a pin tucked bib detail. The banded waist gives the dress definition an...
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...
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...
1980s Jean Muir Floral Cotton Peplum Skirt Suit
By Jean Muir
Located in London, GB
Vintage Jean Muir skirt suit from the mid to late 1980s. Both the skirt and the jacket are made using a brightly printed and lightweight viscose material, featuring bold blue, red an...
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'...
Vintage Jean Muir Wool Coat
By Jean Muir
Located in London, GB
A great dress for Fall from Jean Muir. The coat is in a wool mix in pretty shades of violet , green and ivory . It is fully lined and has a one button fastening , two pocket and a ...
1960s Jean Muir Silk Liberty Floral Print Dress with Scarf
By Jean Muir
Located in London, GB
This is a fine Jean Muir 1960s dress and matching tassel scarf and is without question, the best ensemble from this designer we have ever had in our collection. Early in her career, Muir worked with Liberty fabric and this striking psychedelic silk print could certainly be a Liberty design. It features a riot of bright purple, blue, orange, pink and green tones in a stylised paisley print. Each of the designs, contained in long rows of bands, is slightly different. The dress is a high shirtwaister design with an empire line bust, a low scoop neck and it fastens at the front with 18 fabric buttons and loops. There is a little upturned ruffle on the waistband and the skirt is gently gathered. The sleeves have a gathered cuff and upturned ruffle that echoes the waistline. The dress bodice is not lined; however, the skirt is lined in a quality pink viscose. Labelled a UK size 12, this is small in today's sizing and probably a better fit for a UK 8-10 or US 4-6. The accompanying scarf is a double thickness triangular shape with a row of hand tied purple tassels down one side. It is doubled sided with one print matching the dress while the other side is the same design but in a different colourway, focusing on blues, turquoises and orange. It's an absolutely beautiful piece worn alone or could could be styled either side to compliment or contrast the dress colourway. A very rare set indeed to find in superb vintage condition and from the very earliest part of Jean Muir's career. One for the serious collector, wearer of fine boho...
Vintage Jean Muir Red and Orange Jacket
By Jean Muir
Located in London, GB
A great and colourful jacket by Jean Muir, main line. The jacket is red on the outside and lined in red . There is an 11' vent on either side and a top button fastening. Made in En...
Vintage Jean Muir Green Wool Mini Dress/ Top
By Jean Muir
Located in London, GB
A great vintage wool mini dress /top by Jean Muir , main line. The dress has pleats on the shoulder , pockets on either side and a button waist ?? Size 8 , measurements Bust up to...
Vintage 1980s Jean Muir Blue Jumper
By Jean Muir
Located in London, GB
A great casual jumper for the last days of Summer. In an easy to wear heavy weight cotton, this jumper has all the style and quality you would expect from Jean Muir. The jumper is a...
Vintage Jean Muir Main Line Tweed Skirt
By Jean Muir
Located in London, GB
A stunning vintage skirt by Jean Muir , main line. In a wool mix , and attractive colour mix of olive, ivory and pale green. The skirt has a side zip opening, 8'' slit at the back an...
Vintage Jean Muir Silk Skirt Suit
By Jean Muir
Located in London, GB
A pretty silk skirt suit by Jean Muir mainline. The skirt has an elastic waistband and wrap over front. The jacket has on silk covered button fastening and 6'' slits on either side....
Vintage Jean Muir Suede Skirt
By Jean Muir
Located in London, GB
A pretty vintage suede skirt by Jean Muir , Studio line. The skirt is unlined with a side zip opening.
Vintage Jean Muir Printed Top
By Jean Muir
Located in London, GB
A colourful vintage top by Jean Muir ( main line), The top has a round neckline, pintucks on the the shoulder and short sleaves. The top has a purple background , with grey , blue , ...
Vintage Jean Muir Boucle Jacket
By Jean Muir
Located in London, GB
A great jacket for Fall by Jean Myuir, main line. The jacket is in a pretty mix of colours, grey, peach and ivory. It has a cut away collar, is fully lined and has two front pockets.
JEAN MUIR Red Wool Jacket Size 6
By Jean Muir
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Jean Muir coat is composed of vibrant red wool. Features large front pockets and an open style design. In excellent condition. Made in England. **Please cross-reference me...