Don Loper Black Long Sleeve Wool Back Zip Dress Fur Cuffs & Side Slit Size 6
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 41 in (104.14 cm)Marked Size: 6 (US)Bust: 38 in (96.52 cm)Waist: 31 in (78.74 cm)Hip: 38 in (96.52 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Wool crepe, silk lining, fox cuffs
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU121107481073
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.
- Ceil Chapman Black and Blue Silk Cocktail Dress, Circa 1960By Ceil ChapmanLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis is a vintage black silk cocktail dress with blue flowers by Ceil Chapman, from 1960. The dress has long 22" sleeves, 23" zipper in the back, a collar, and a blue bow at the cent...Category
1960s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Gianni Versace Black Drape front Couture Gown, Property of Courtney Love, 1996By Gianni Versace CoutureLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis is a black shimmery stretch gown by Gianni Versace Couture, and personal property of Courtney Love, from 1996. The gown is draped over the shoulders...Category
1990s Italian Evening Gowns
- 2pc Black Sequin Gown with Silk Slip Dress, Circa 1940Located in Los Angeles, CAThis is a black sequin and silk 2pc gown, custom made from the 1940's. It has short sleeves, layers of ruffles at the hemline, hidden snaps up the side seam, and a deep "V" in the back. Elizabeth Mason The Paper Bag Princess...Category
1940s Evening Gowns
- 1950's MINGOLINI GUGGENHEIM Purple & Black Floral Print Silk Dress Set size 2-4Located in Los Angeles, CAThis is a vintage silk purple and black floral print dress with matching coat by Mingolini Gugenheim. It is a strapless bustier dress with a 17" si...Category
1950s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- GALANOS Black Silk Gown with Structured Shoulder and Blouson Sleeve, 1990'sBy GalanosLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis is a long sleeve black silk crepe gown by Galanos, from the 1990's and labeled from I. Magnin. The gown has long, puffy sleeves, shoulder pads, and zips up the back. There is ...Category
1960s Evening Gowns
- Yves Saint Laurent Purple Iridescent Silk Taffeta Gown, Circa 1970'sBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis is a beautiful piece of art by Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, from mid-1970. The gown is iridescent purple silk taffeta with ruffles on the front bodice, neckline, hem, cuffs, ...Category
1970s French Evening Gowns
- 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
- Rare LARRY ALDRICH COUTURE 1950s Silk Taffeta Bow & Button Cocktail DressLocated in Asheville, NCLarry Aldrich, 1950's Era Vintage Couture, Silk Taffeta, V Neck Front Wrap Style with Bow, Two Front Pockets, Nine Fabric Back Buttons, Built-in Moderate Crinoline with Hook and Eye ...Category
1950s Cocktail Dresses
- Calvin Klein Black Lace Cocktail Dress, c. 1990s.By Calvin KleinLocated in New York, NYCalvin Klein Black Lace Cocktail Dress, c. 1990s. Calvin Klein Black Lace Cocktail Dress featuring low cut V-ncekline and shoulder pads. Beautiful Lace hem extends past chiffon linin...Category
1990s American Cocktail Dresses
- Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Black Gown with Open Back, 1990.By Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in New York, NYYves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Black Gown with Open Back, 1990. Full length woven dress with waistband. Features slit at center front and open ...Category
1990s French Evening Dresses
- Gianfranco Ferré black gown with sheer sleeves, ca. 1970By Gianfranco FerréLocated in New York, NYGianfranco Ferré black gown with sheer sleeves, ca. 1970 Long black wool dress with subtle shimmer featuring waistcoat-style bodice with sheer sleeves. Mermaid skirt features diagona...Category
1970s Italian Aesthetic Evening Dresses
- Thierry Mugler Haute Couture Green Velvet Dress with Belt, "VAMPIRE DRESS" 1981.By Thierry Mugler CoutureLocated in New York, NYThierry Mugler Haute Couture Green Velvet Dress with Belt, "VAMPIRE DRESS" 1981. Off the shoulder puff-sleeve green velvet dress featuring fitted inner s...Category
1980s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses