Exceptional Original 1950s Vintage Striped Lilli Ann Designer Blazer 1952

This exquisite blazer was made from finely striped navy blue wool in 1952. It was cut in the classic hourglass silhouette of the period with structured shoulders and a nipped waist. An unusual sawtooth collar leads to a single row of four fabric covered buttons that fasten the jacket. Wonderful asymmetric triple pocket details adorn the left bust and right hip area and add a gorgeous design detail. At the waist this detail even hides a small functional pocket and there are beautiful unusual wing details on the back of the sleeves near the cuffs. Inside, the blazer is lined in navy blue crepe and bears the highly collectible Lilli Ann maker’s label as well as a National Recovery Board union tag . And as you would expect from a Lilli Ann piece, the tailoring is beyond exceptional, shaping and nipping the wearer’s body in just the right places to create that iconic poured in style. These pieces always look so much more fabulous on a human body than they ever could on a dress form as you can see from the original 1952 advert of the stunning Dorian Leigh wearing the same piece. 

Bust: 37”

Waist: 28” (tight 29”)

Shoulders: 15” seam to seam 

Length: 23 1/2”

The jacket is in very good condition, however this piece would have had shoulder pads originally which are no longer present but could be reinstated and there are some minor repairs to the lining as pictured. 

4717

This garment is available to purchase with or without dress shields. These clever little contraptions have been made by our seamstress to an original 1940s pattern and can be simply attached to your garment by tack stitching at the corners of the underarm seam, pinning (we wouldn’t recommend that, it hurts if it goes wrong, so if you try this, it is at your own risk only) or inserting tiny poppers. They then stand ready to absorb any sweat and body odours as needed and you can simply detach and launder them instead of your garment, saving you a fortune in dry cleaning bills.

They are equally suitable for suits, blazers and dresses and come in pure white cotton.

They are universally sized and super easy to use even for a sewing novice as only a couple of tiny stitches are required at each side to secure them.

We sell Dress Shields as a standalone item or at a discount if you purchase them with a garment. We will select the appropriate type to match the garment you have purchased.