1970's Jean Muir Navy Rayon Jersey Maxi Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 59 in (149.86 cm)Bust: 28 in (71.12 cm)Waist: 26 in (66.04 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Toronto, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU22821719033
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Toronto, Canada
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- 1960s Anonymous Black Long Sleeve Gown with Polka Dot Net Overlay and Gold SashLocated in Toronto, OntarioGorgeous black long sleeve gown from the 1960s. The label is from Stanley Korshak, a famous upscale ladies boutique in Dallas whose heigh day was from ...Category
1960s American Evening Gowns
- 1980s Black Velvet Vicky Tiel Cocktail Dress with Royal Blue BodiceBy Vicky TielLocated in Toronto, OntarioWELCOME BACK 1980's! Black velvet Vicky Tiel cocktail dress with a sexy sweetheart style neckline, a favourite look for Vicky Tiel, and a ruched royal blue velvet front bodice with s...Category
1980s American Cocktail Dresses
- 1980s Black Velvet and Tulle DressLocated in Toronto, OntarioAnonymous 1980s black velvet drop waist dress with tulle skirt. The bodice has black shoulder straps and darts at the bust. Fitted through the body...Category
1980s French Cocktail Dresses
- Raffaella Curiel 1980's Black Strapless Cocktail Dress with RosesBy Raffaella CurielLocated in Toronto, OntarioFun 1980s Raffaella Curiel strapless, drop waist cocktail dress. Black ruched bodice with scalloped rose printed layered skirt and bust detail. Small bl...Category
1980s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- 1980s Ferre Navy Fuzzy Lurex Top and SkirtBy Gianfranco FerréLocated in Toronto, OntarioUnique Ferre ensemble from the 1980s. A black tie take on the classic Rugby jersey, the top is made from a shimmery lurex fabric and has black and navy horizontal stripes. Accented w...Category
1980s French Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
- 1960s Black Lace Cocktail Dress with BowLocated in Toronto, OntarioBlack 1960s lace drop waist cocktail dress with the label Anita Modes. The sleeveless dress has a full black lace overlay with an added hem detail. Large bl...Category
1960s American 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
- Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford FW-02 Silk Flared Hem Dress - Velvet RibbonBy Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in Brussels, BEFlirtation and eroticism were on American designer Tom Ford’s mind for his Fall/Winter 2002 Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche collection. Using stereotypical women’s fabrics for appropr...Category
Early 2000s French Sheath Dresses
- Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford SS-2001 Strapless Bandage Mini DressBy Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Brussels, BEA highlight from the Spring/summer 2001 YSL collection. This stretchy black strapless bandage mini dress with its wraparound belt that sculpt the waist ...Category
Early 2000s French Mini Dress
- Rare CEIL CHAPMAN 1950s Vintage Black Satin COUTURE Cocktail Dress XS/SBy Ceil ChapmanLocated in Asheville, NCCeil Chapman, 1950's Era, Pleated Front and Back Panels, Front Bow, Open Top Puff Sleeves with Bows on Ends, Round Neck, Bone In Front and Sides, Back Zipper, Hook and Eye Black Clos...Category
1950s Cocktail Dresses
- 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