Don Loper 1950's Day-to-Evening Black Cocktail Dress, Winona Ryder Size 2-4
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:Don Loper Originals
- Dimensions:Length: 40 in (101.6 cm)Marked Size: 2-4 (US)Bust: 32 in (81.28 cm)Waist: 25 in (63.5 cm)Hip: 33 in (83.82 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Wool, Faille, and Silk
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Excellent.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: U09072548118
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Los Angeles, CA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Andre Laug Navy & White Polka Dot Sequin Chiffon Gown, w/ Matching Scarf sz 4Located in Los Angeles, CAThis is a spectacular evening gown from Andre Laug. It is made of 100% silk chiffon and has clear sequins, top to bottom. The dress has long sleeves, a blouson top, fitted waist, and long pleated skirt...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Evening Gowns
- Don Loper Black Long Sleeve Wool Back Zip Dress Fur Cuffs & Side Slit Size 6By Don LoperLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis 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 Cocktail Dresses
- Ceil Chapman Vintage Black Long Sleeve Jersey Cocktail DressBy Ceil ChapmanLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis a fabulous 1950's vintage cocktail dress from Ceil Chapman. It is made of a soft jersey knit that is draped, blouson style on the bodice and a fitted skirt. It has a scoop neckl...Category
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
- Dorothy O'Hara 1950s Black Cocktail Dress w/ Diagonal Front Pleating Size 10-12By Dorothy O'Hara, Arnold ConstableLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis is a sophisticated vintage little black dress made by Dorothy O'Hara. It is made of black crepe fabric with a rayon/acetate lining, with wonderful front draped gathers for style...Category
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
- Ceil Chapman Black Ruched & Draped Cocktail Dress w/ 3/4 SleevesBy Ceil Chapman, Bergdorf GoodmanLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis is a highly collectible vintage piece from Ceil Chapman. It is made from a black jersey knit with a satin lining. The bodice and sleeves are ruched and the skirt is draped in th...Category
1950s American Cocktail Dresses
- Badgley Mischka Black Chiffon Dress with Gold Navy beads and leather beltBy Badgley MischkaLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis is a fashionable cocktail dress from Badgley Mischka. It is made of black chiffon with black, silver, navy, and gold bead striped design throughout. Interior at waist to mid bus...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Cocktail Dresses
- Badgley Mischka Beaded Black Silk Lace Evening Gown Size US 10By Badgley MischkaLocated in New York, NYBadgley Mischka glamorous black silk lace evening gown, size US 10. Gown features hand beaded and embroidered lace with glass jet beading, and neckline with glass jet beads along cu...Category
Late 20th Century American Evening Gowns
- Mariano Fortuny Black Silk Peplos GownBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated black colored silk with silk cording along side seams,shoulders and tunic hem with matte frosted colored glass beads threaded through the cordin...Category
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Peplos
- Mariano Fortuny Black Peplos GownBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated black colored silk with silk cording along side seams,shoulders and tunic hem with multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording.
...CategoryEarly 20th Century Italian Art Deco Delphos Gowns
- Mariano Fortuny Black Delphos GownBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated black colored silk with silk cording along side seams, and multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording.
Named after a ...CategoryEarly 20th Century Italian Art Deco Delphos Gowns
- Eavis & Brown Beaded Evening DressBy Eavis & BrownLocated in Water Mill, NYEavis & Brown Fabulous Beaded Hand Made Dress..Size XSCategory
20th Century English Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Beautiful D&G Dolce and Gabbana Leopard Print DressBy D&G by DOLCE & GABBANALocated in Hoffman Estates, ILBeautiful vintage D&G Dolce & Gabbana leopard print dress. Excellent condition.Category
Early 20th Century Italian Day Dresses