Incredible Cream And Grey Original 1940s 40s Chevron Stripe Skirt Suit

This incredible suit was made from wool in the 1940s. It was cut in the classic hourglass silhouette of the period with strong padded shoulders and a nipped waist. The design of the piece shows strong stylistic inspiration from Irene Lentz who was famous for the innovative use of stripes in her designs. The top of blazer starts off in a soft cream flecked with grey before moving on to a grey and cream striped design across the bust. From just below the bust, the blazer is crafted on a soft grey twill giving added emphasis to the upper part of the garment. At the back of the jacket, the stripe design is even further enhanced by being shaped into a large downward facing chevron. Not only is this super flattering but the tailoring workmanship is just utterly outstanding. The jacket also boasts a small notched lapel collar which leads to three fabric covered buttons that fasten the blazer and there are small functional slit pockets at the waist. Inside, the blazer is lined in rose coloured crepe and bears the maker’s label for Gillman of West Hartford. The skirt matches perfectly to the bottom section of the blazer, creating a seamless silhouette and it fastens with an original metal side zipper and button above. Both the skirt and the blazer also have a label of the original owner’s name, Mary Brad Davis. 

Jacket

Bust: 36”

Waist: 28 1/2”

Shoulders: 15 3/4” seam to seam 

Skirt

Waist: 26”

Hips: 40”

Length: 31” plus 1 1/2”

Overall the suit is in good condition with only a few small holes and nibbles as pictured (predominantly on the functional pocket and the back grey section). We deliberately left these unearned as we felt that repair makes them stand out more whilst they blend into the busy pattern in their current form. There is also some slight marling to the lining and we believe the skirt button is a later replacement. 

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.

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