Extraordinary Original Late 1940s / Early 1950s Vintage Rainbow Striped Claire McCardell Suit

This exquisite suit was made in the late 1940s / early 1950s from wool in a fabulous rainbow coloured stripe pattern. The suit was cut in an expertly tailored silhouette with a fitted waist and a wonderfully flared skirt. This really needs to be on an actual body rather than a mannequin to show off the incredible tailoring. Raglan shoulders are structured with darting at the front of the bodice that runs into large half moon waist pockets. These pockets bring emphasis to the wearer’s hips and slight padding at the jacket hem creates a beautiful peplum effect. This is further enhanced by the split hem at the rear of the blazer, the collar that is pointed at the back and the expert pattern matching that creates a chevron effect. Three stunning pink centred buttons and unusual diagonal buttonholes fasten the jacket at the front and turn up cuffs finish off the sleeves. Inside, the blazer is lined in pale pink faille and has a retailer’s label for the California Shop but has sadly lost its original maker’s label.

This piece was designed by the inimitable Claire McCardell and we have added a picture of an identical labelled McCardell suit courtesy of Jessica from No Accounting for Taste. The piece screams of Claire McCardell’s trademark informal style of tailoring that was rooted in comfort and practicality and exemplifies the “American look” for modern, active women for which she was best known. 

The matching skirt was cut in an A line style enhanced through expert chevron pattern matching of the textile. A large inverted pleat at the back adds wonderful volume and half moon pockets matching the blazer add shape to the hips. This design speaks to McCardell’s ethos of creating a capsule wardrobe of interchangeable pieces that can be worn together or separately, giving her designs true versatility.

Jacket

Bust: 38”

Waist: 29”

Length: 26”

Skirt

Waist: 24 1/2” but button could be moved up to 3”

Hips: 37”

Length: 31”

The suit is in very good condition with only a few minor flaws as pictured. 

4612

Please message us about flexible layaway options.

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.