Jean Muir Red Viscose Jersey Dress, 1980s
View Similar Items
Jean Muir Red Viscose Jersey Dress, 1980s
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Bust: 34 in (86.36 cm)Waist: 31 in (78.74 cm)Hip: 33 in (83.82 cm)Shoulder to Hem: 46.5 in (118.11 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Port Hope, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5384582471
Jean Muir
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.
- CHLOE Popping Pink Dress 38FrBy ChloéLocated in Port Hope, ONLovely dress made of 70% silk and 30% wool. Its has ruffles on the bodice; pockets; nicely bound inside seams; discreet cap sleeves, and a centre back hidden zipper. Made in France, ...Category
2010s French Cocktail Dresses
- Early 1980s Yves Saint Laurent Silk DressBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Port Hope, ONTypical of Yves Saint Laurent's 1980s style, this silk dress is in a lovely iridescent blue with a black floral print. There is a black velvet trim on the collar as well as a velvet ...Category
1980s French Day Dresses
- 1950s Unique Raffia Knit and Crochet Dress and Matching CapeLocated in Port Hope, ONThis is a beautifully made rasberry pink dress with a high collar; full lenght shell; scalloped hem, and braided belt.Category
1960s Unknown Day Dresses
$160 Sale Price28% Off - Roksanda Black and Blue Color Block Wool Blend Fitted DressBy RoksandaLocated in Port Hope, ONThis is a wool blend dress with a blue ribbed pattern mixed with smooth black on front and all black in the back. There is a wide yellow exposed zipper at the middle back with a loo...Category
2010s British Day Dresses
$169 Sale Price65% Off - MARNI Black Silk and Cotton DressLocated in Port Hope, ONWonderful shift dress which is 70% silk and 30% cotton. There is a nice scoop neck line, and detail at the waist. Side pleats form shallow pockets.Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Day Dresses
$130 Sale Price52% Off - A.K.R.I.S Black Cotton Dress (M-M+)Located in Port Hope, ONSimple and elegant black cotton dress with a diagonal pleat effect pattern. This dreess has a round neck, and the lining is made of light soft cotton. Swiss company but made in Italy.Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Day Dresses
$140 Sale Price28% Off
- McQ Alexander McQueen Orange Stretch Knit Dress W Cut Out Zipper DetailsBy Alexander McQueen, McQ Alexander McQueenLocated in Portland, ORThis orange Alexander McQueen dress is so special and we really love the diagonal bust zipper that is fully functional! You can wear it with the zipper open for a cut out effect. Thi...Category
2010s Turkish Day Dresses
- 1980s Vintage Red Vakko Suede Peplum Strapless DressBy VAKKOLocated in Portland, ORThis is such a fun vintage red dress! This Vakko suede peplum evening dress has a sweetheart bust and a pointed peplum at the waist. .The dress is fu...Category
1980s American Evening Dresses
- 1930s Rusty Red Silk Vintage 2 Pc Bias Dress With Rhinestone Belt and TieLocated in Portland, ORThis is a vintage 1930's two piece rust red silk dress with a matching belt with original sash buckle. This top of the dress has long sleeves with gathered tucks on the elbows, a V n...Category
1930s American Day Dresses
- Oscar de la Renta Embroidered Silk Caftan with Matching dress New!By Oscar De La RentaLocated in Los Angeles, CAOscar de la Renta 2 piece silk caftan Fashioned of rich tomato red silk with matching slipdress. Neckline adorned with heavily embellished gol...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Caftans
$2,240 Sale Price20% Off - LeSwim Red and Black Lips Print Halter Midi Dress Size SmallLocated in Paradise Island, BSFounded by Adriana Caras, LeSwim is a modern vision of luxury resort style, offering elevated swimwear and resort wear that travels beyond the beach. The clothing is made in the US, ...Category
2010s American Day Dresses
$297 Sale Price40% Off - LeSwim Red and Black Lips Print Halter Midi Dress Size XSLocated in Paradise Island, BSFounded by Adriana Caras, LeSwim is a modern vision of luxury resort style, offering elevated swimwear and resort wear that travels beyond the beach. The clothing is made in the U, o...Category
2010s American Day Dresses
$297 Sale Price40% Off