1950's Don Loper White and Black Velvet Trim Checker Plaid Cocoon Coat
View Similar Items
1950's Don Loper White and Black Velvet Trim Checker Plaid Cocoon Coat
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 49 in (124.46 cm)Bust: 56 in (142.24 cm)Waist: 46 in (116.84 cm)Hip: 44 in (111.76 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU48210940
Don Loper
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.
- Michael Forrest Dark Brown Ranch Mink Long Cape with CollarBy Michael ForrestLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis is a stunning long cape from Michael Forrest. It is made of a dark brown ranch mink an has a dark brown satin lining. There are 2 slits for armholes, a ...Category
1980s American Capes
- ELIZABETH MASON COUTURE Black Beaded Lace Evening Coat Made to OrderBy Elizabeth Mason CoutureLocated in Los Angeles, CAFashioned from the finest black lace adorned with beading and sequins. This exquisite design can be combined with an ELIZABETH MASON COUTURE cocktail dress as photographed (sold sepa...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Topcoats
- BULLOCKS WILSHIRE Gunmetal Wool Sequin Trench Coat Size 6By BULLOCKS WILSHIRELocated in Los Angeles, CAThis coat is composed of a sequin wool in a silver color with gunmetal hue sequins. There are center front snap closures and the same style buttons at the shoulders as accents. A gr...Category
1960s American Trench Coats
- ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Supple Black Leather Trench Coat Size 38By Alexander McQueenLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis Alexander McQueen coat is composed of an extremely soft fine grade black leather. Features a trench style with center front button closure and pockets. Top-stitch collar detail ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Trench Coats
- Vintage 1960's Black Wool Cape Size 6 8Located in Los Angeles, CAThis vintage coat is composed of a black wool and features center front buttons. In excellent vintage condition. **Please cross-reference measurements for personal accuracy. Size ...Category
1960s Hong Kong Capes
- ANDRE LAUG ITALY Black Silk Ruffle Evening CapeBy André Laug, ANDRE LANGLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis Andre Laug cape is composed of a black silk and features a ruffle trim. There are center front snap closures and a button at the shoulder. In excellent vintage condition. **P...Category
20th Century Italian Opera Coats
- Art Deco 7 Ft. Black Silk Manila Piano Shawl With White Floral EmbroideryLocated in New York, NYArt Deco black silk piano shawl hand embroidered with white silk floral design and 12" hand knotted silk fringe. The shawl is visually beautiful, soft...Category
Early 20th Century Philippine Shawls
- Mariano Fortuny Black Stencilled Velvet Persian Style CoatBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis three-quarter length black velvet persian coat was printed with metallic paints with Venetian glass buttons and silk loop closures at the center fr...Category
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Coats
Price Upon Request - Mariano Fortuny Green Stencilled Velvet Long CoatBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYFortuny translated the caftan as a loose fitting outer garment,usually made out of silk velvet crepe or gauze the fitted back and open front allowed for elaborate stenciled decoratio...Category
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Coats
Price Upon Request - Mariano Fortuny Gauze Sleevless Coat, Provenance Tina ChowBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYTransparent Fortuny gauze pieces are based on the ancient tunic which was a shirt like garment that became traditional attire in roman times, the copts or christian egyptians...Category
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Coats
Price Upon Request - Supreme Opulent Russian Sable Fur Stroller Length CoatLocated in Tustin, CAShown as the ultimate symbol of status and elegance, Russian Sable is considered to be the most coveted fur in the world. This Russian sable fur coat...Category
Late 20th Century American Opera Coats
$9,900 Sale Price34% Off - Couture Missoni Plaid Knitted Hooded Wool Cape Cloak with Orange LabelBy MissoniLocated in Tustin, CAColorful, heavy, knitted vintage mohair wool, plaid hooded cape from Italian high end, couture fashion designer, Missoni, features a complementary, color coordinated, striped interio...Category
1980s Italian Capes
$695 Sale Price26% Off