Iconic Original 1950s Vintage Black Diamond Lilli Ann Skirt Suit 1957

This exquisite suit was made in 1957 from the softest cashmere wool blend in a rich shade of black. It was cut in the iconic Lilli Ann hourglass silhouette with padded shoulders and a nipped waist. The waist is further highlighted with the trademark Lilli Ann stiffened peplum which has been adorned with two rows of black velvet diamond appliqués all around the hem of the blazer. Matching decoration features on each side of the large collar and four twisted buttons fasten the jacket at the front. Turn up cuffs finish off the sleeves perfectly and the tailoring is utterly superb throughout as you would expect from this designer. Inside, the jacket is lined in black crepe and has the collectible Lilli Ann maker’s label as well as a retailer’s label for Altman’s and a National Recovery Board tag. The matching skirt was cut in a straight silhouette and fastens with an original metal side zipper and button closure above. This is a rare opportunity to own one of the iconic Lilli Ann advertised pieces and we have included a copy of the original 1957 Harper’s Bazaar advert featuring Dorian Leigh in the pictures. 

Jacket

Bust: 34”

Waist: 26”

Shoulders: 15” seam to seam

Length: 22”

Skirt

Waist: tight 24” (plus up to 3” to move the button)

Hips: 36”

Length: 26”

The suit is in very good condition with only a few surface grazes as pictured. Some of the velvet diamonds are coming slightly loose and would benefit from over stitching to secure them.

Please enquire for layaway options. 

4499

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 two different options:

1. Pure cream cotton for your heavier weight dresses, blazers and suits

or

2. White cotton muslin for lightweight summer dresses (so they don’t show through the fabric)

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.