1970s Hildebrand Liberty Print Red Wool Floral Skirt Suit

Name: 1970s Hildebrand Liberty Print Red Wool Floral Skirt Suit
Brand: Liberty of London
Rating: 4.9 (41 reviews)

About the Item

A striking late 1970s or very early 1980s Hildebrand skirt suit crafted in high-quality Liberty wool, printed in vibrant florals of candy pink, orange, lilac and sage set against a rich red background. The blouse element features a collarless neckline with a keyhole cut-out and tie detail at the front, balanced by floaty bell sleeves with single red button fastenings at the cuffs - quintessentially of the era. The matching maxi-skirt is high-waisted with soft pleating at the waistband, fastening at the back with hook-and-eye clasps and a tonal red zip. A wide, statement ruffle sits halfway down the skirt, adding movement and impact. Both pieces are unlined. This ensemble is in excellent vintage condition with no issues and looks barely worn; you would never know it was nearly half a century old. Crafted from “Pure New Wool” and labelled a size 36 which corresponds to a UK 8 or US 4. Please check the below measurements carefully as the waist is small and the fabric has no stretch. MEASUREMENTS TOP BUST - 38 in. (97 cm) WAIST - 38 in. (97 cm) HIP - 40 in. (102 cm) LENGTH - 24 in. (61 cm) MEASUREMENTS SKIRT WAIST - 26 in. (66 cm) HIP - 56 in. (142 cm) LENGTH - 39.5 in. (100 cm)

Designer:
Liberty of London
Brand:
Liberty of London
Dimensions:
Length: 24 in (60.96 cm)Marked Size: 4 (US)Bust: 38 in (96.52 cm)Waist: 26 in (66.04 cm)Hip: 40 in (101.6 cm)
Place of Origin:
United Kingdom
Period:
1970-1979
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU55028680212

Shop All Liberty of London

Liberty of London

The Liberty of London department store, located in the fashionable west end of London in the United Kingdom, has been selling luxury items since 1875. From leather footstools in the shape of a hippo to elegantly hand-carved Moroccan coffee tables, there’s something to please every discerning collector. And while it became a reputable retailer over time, the original Liberty & Co. was a pivotal force in the development of the Aesthetic, Art Nouveau and the Arts and Crafts movements. As the champion of eclectic design throughout the centuries, Liberty continues to collaborate with designers to produce covetable interior fashion and accessories.

Arthur Liberty was born in 1843 in Buckinghamshire, England. His father, a draper, encouraged him to apprentice as a draper at age 16. Instead, he took an offer to work at Farmer and Rogers, a women’s fashion store. After ten years, he decided to strike out on his own. In 1875 he borrowed money from his father-in-law and leased a small store on the very prominent Regent Street, naming it the East India House.

Liberty’s store was very eclectic. It served as an emporium for Eastern imports, with a wildly varied collection of ornaments, fabrics and objects d’art — including imported antiques — on offer. In London, there was already a demand for and an interest in imported goods from India and elsewhere, so his business concept was an immediate success. He repaid his loan in less than two years and continually expanded by buying up all the buildings on his side of the street. His company was so successful that even the original Victoria and Albert Museum purchased Eastern textiles for its collection from his store.

By 1890, the firm came to be known as Liberty & Company. Liberty died in 1917, but the business continued to thrive. In 1924, the current iteration — and now world-famous — of the store was constructed. It was built in the Tudor Revival style and the structure's frame was made of wood salvaged from two British warships. In the 1950s and '60s, the store, now known as Liberty’s, helped spark the counterculture youth movements of the era as beatniks and hippies purchased fabrics and furnishings from this iconic store.

On 1stDibs, find antique Liberty of London tables, decorative objects, seating and more.