Vintage Couture Dresses - 1971

1971 was a schizophrenic year in fashion.  From minis to maxis and kooky to sophisticated, it seemed every designer had their own idea of what women should be wearing.  Here, looks from the haute couture for Spring 1971.  Would you wear any of these today?  Which one is your favorite?

Guy Laroche orange silk evening gown with kimono sleeves and tassels.

Philippe Venet zebra print jumpsuit.

Pierre Cardin leather zodiac dresses.  There was one for every sign.  Shown here are Cancer and Aries.

Lanvin midi dress in a wild print.

Givency sequined top and sheer maxi skirt over hot pants.

Dupont Orlon and Paris Couture

Yes, Dupont, the company that brings you "Better things for better living...through chemistry" took out a multi-page advertisement in the spring of 1969 featuring it's Orlon acrylic blend fabrics used by Paris couturiers.

The 1960s were known for technological advances and the use of synthetic materials in avante-garde fashion. We saw the use of vinyl, mylar, and other synthetics. By the late 60s, the traditional couture client was becoming a thing of the past. Ready-to-wear was experiencing an explosion of popularity. Dupont seized upon the opportunity to promote it's man-made fibers to the couturiers and to benefit from the status that link provided. And, no doubt, money exchanged hands as part of the deal.

Here, Paris couture from the spring of 1969.

Castillo navy and white plaid 3 piece suit in wool and Orlon acrylic blend.

Jeanne Lanvin black and white glen plaid coat in wool/Orlon acrylic blend.

Jean Patou white and yellow jumpsuit and jacket in double faced gabardine in a blend of Orlon acrylic and wool.


Madeleine de Rauch pink coat in double faced gabardine in a blend of wool and Orlon acrylic.

Phillipe Venet white and navy plaid 7/8 coat in double-faced gabardine of wool and Orlon acrylic.

Evening Dresses - 1945

Are you throwing a holiday party this year? Why not make it a vintage themed affair? Or, better yet, how about black tie? The world needs some beauty, and we can all pitch in by wearing a glamorous gown for the holidays. Today, looks from 1945.

After years of shortages and austerity, the world emerges from WWII and designers celebrate with the use of yards and yards of fabric. Draping, poufs, and gathers abound. Shoulders are becoming important with dramatic sleeves and thick shoulder pads. We often see long sleeves for evening. Rayon joins silk as an important fabric for both day and evening.

Maggy Rouff printed silk gown with back bustle treatment and train.

Left, Jean Patou velvet and crepe gown with appliques in the opposite fabrics.
Right, Worth taffeta gown with huge puffed sleeves.

Another look by Worth. This time the huge sleeves and bodice are covered in tulle ruffles.

Jeanne Lanvin crepe gown with gold embroidery and full sleeves.

Mme. Grès silk chiffon gown with her signature draping.

Is the 1940s your decade of choice?

Weekend Eye Candy - Jeanne Lanvin, 1966

Love this wool suit by Jeanne Lanvin, 1966. 3 button plackets descend in stairstep fashion down the front of the jacket and skirt.

Photo by F.C. Gundlach