Original Vintage 1950s 50s Black Crepe Jacket With Beaded Trim By Lilli Ann

This wonderful jacket was made in 1953 from a black wool silk blend. The collarless neckline, front opening and hem have been embellished with mother of pearl style small round and tear drop shaped beads. The jacket is cut in a classic hourglass shape with padded shoulders and a nipped waist. The garment fastens with press studs as well as metal hooks and stitched eyes down its centre. Inside, the jacket is lined in black crepe and has a National Recovery Board tag as well as a retailer’s label for Siegel’s of San Antonio. We believe that the retailer used their own label to replace the Lilli Ann tag. At the time, it was common for retailers to do that even with high end pieces such as Lilli Anns. We have attached a picture of the original Lilli Ann advert from 1953 (it once was a full suit!). 

Bust: 40”

Waist: 30”

Shoulders: 16 1/2” seam to seam 

Length: 25 1/2”

The jacket is in very good condition, however there is some evidence of repairs and some missing beads or beads with some paint loss but nothing too obvious. One of the stitched eyes has broken but it could be easily repaired.   

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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