1970s Black Crepe Jean Muir Peplum Suit
View Similar Items
1970s Black Crepe Jean Muir Peplum Suit
About the Item
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.
- Thierry Mugler Couture SS-2001 Jumpsuit with plastic & glass beads embroideriesBy Thierry Mugler, Thierry Mugler CoutureLocated in Brussels, BELook 39 of the runway Spring/summer 2001 100% polyester Plastic & glass beads embroideries Made in france Size FR42 ( size conversion 10US - 14UK - 46IT - MEDIUM) Measurements (all...Category
Early 2000s French Jumpsuits
- GLORIA SACHS Couture 1980s Two Piece PAISLEY FUR Suit Skirt Jacket Wool 10By Gloria SachsLocated in Asheville, NCGloria Sachs, Iconic Suit, Vintage 1980's, 100% Pure Wool (Soft), Made in USA, Union Tag, Fully Lined. Jacket - Quilted, Five Wooden/Clay Round Buttons, Shoulder Pads, Two Pockets, ...Category
1980s Skirt Suits
$596 Sale Price25% Off - Vintage TRAVILLA Dress Jacket Ensemble Blue Rhinestones Satin 10By TravillaLocated in Asheville, NCTravilla, Dress and Jacket Ensemble, Three Rhinestone Buttons on Jacket front and One on Each Sleeve, Hook and Eye Closure on Jacket with Buttons, Double Straps on Dress, Zipper on B...Category
1980s Dress and Coat Ensembles
$476 Sale Price20% Off - Vintage VALENTINO Boutique Couture Two Piece Ensemble Skirt Top 8By ValentinoLocated in Asheville, NCValentino Boutique, Material: Cotton/Linen? The material feels like hemp, Pleated Skirt, Zipper on Both Pieces, Two Pockets on Top, Three Buttons on the Top Measurements Laying Fla...Category
Late 20th Century French Skirt Suits
- Vintage PIERRE CARDIN Paris Couture 1960s Two Piece Ensemble Skirt Jacket 38By Pierre Cardin Paris, Pierre CardinLocated in Asheville, NCPierre Cardin, 100% Wool, 1960's Couture, Made in France, Asymmetrical Layered Design, Two Faceted Buttons, Pleated Skirt, Metal Zipper, Slit on Back of Skirt, Vintage 38 Measuremen...Category
1960s French Skirt Suits
$909 Sale Price30% Off - Vintage HALSTON 1970s Tropical Jersey 2 Piece Ensemble Skirt Halter Top OOAKBy HalstonLocated in Asheville, NCHalston, Vintage 1970's, Jersey Blend, Halter Top with Neck and Waist Tie, Metal Talon Zipper on Side of Skirt, One Pocket on Skirt, Vintage Size 10, Rare, One of a Kind! Measuremen...Category
1970s American Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
$2,800 Sale Price20% Off