Late 1950s to early 1960s Silk David Barr Designer Dress- NEW!

Regular Price: $320.00 AUD
Sale Price: $320.00 AUD
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Measurements

Size: Small

Dress

Bust: 34 - 36 inches + 86 - 91 cm

Waist: 25 - 26 inches + 64 - 66 cm (move the hook and eye)

Hips: Open

Bodice Length from Outside Shoulder: 15 inches + 38 cm

Total Length from Outside Shoulder: 42 inches + 107 cm

Hem Length : 7 inches + 18 cm

Zipper Length: None

Seam Allowance: Unseen

Note: Measurements are taken from outside, flat and stretched from seam to seam. This is the maximum size allowable, so please consider individual fit and comfort.

Description

* Late 1950s to early 1960s commercially made silk dress

* Fabric background features embossed violins and flowers with alternating rows of blue, pink and green flowers

* Classic silhouette with a fitted waist and wide skirt

* Bodice has a shirtfront opening that fastens with cream buttons

* Neckline has a turnover peaked collar that ends with ties

* ¾ length sleeves with cuffs that fasten with identical buttons

* Skirt has narrow knife pleats that allow for a very full skirt

* Bodice is fully lined

* Hand-sewn deep hem, belt loops but no belt

* Label reads Pavion by David Barr

David Barr was a leading California-based designer. He started his career working at Louis Klapper, an exclusive men's store. He quickly rose through the ranks to become Manager, but soon after his appointment decided to go it alone. His good friend, the motion picture star, Dick Powell bankrolled him in his new venture. His store on Sunset Boulevard soon became the place for men to shop. The clientele reads as a who's who of Hollywood: Tony Martin, Joel McCrea, Frank Lovejoy, Vic Damone, Tony Curtis, Jack Webb, Cary Grant, Blake Edwards, Mario Lanza and so on.

Sometime later, he started making outfits for the wives of his famous customers including June Allyson, Cyd Charisse and Frances Dee. His lines were so popular that a buyer for Saks Fifth Avenue asked if he could make designs to order exclusively for their store- which he did. Its success emboldened him to deal exclusively in women's fashion, ultimately entering into a partnership with Arthur Pines to create the Fabiola line and move to larger premises.

In 1956, he established his very own label David Barr. This necessitated a move to still larger premises to produce his various designs. One of which, the Pavilion line, aimed at bringing a new dimension to shirtwaist dresses.

Over the years David Barr received numerous citations for his outstanding designs, including the prestigious California State Award (He won this no less than ten times), as well as the Mayco Award and numerous other accolades from stores throughout the USA. In fact, there wasn't a high-fashion store in the USA that didn't carry his designs.

A California newspaper described David Barr as "a man of quiet sophistication, and a talented designer, manufacturer and entrepreneur. He's so busy that the only exercise he gets is dusting the traces of the Hollywood Freeway off his new blue Rolls Royce!"

Condition

Excellent vintage condition.

No notable flaws that I can see. A tiny bit of discolor to the inside neckline. This should come out with a dry clean. (Normally I would do this but our only dry cleaner is currently non-operational due to a significant fire).

Please note that these are vintage items that have been used and loved over the years, As such, they may display slight evidence of their age. Any notable flaws will be highlighted.

Comment

Stunning dress by an amazing designer.

The listing is for the dress only and does not include any other accessories that may have been photographed with the item.

This item has not been pinned to the dress form.

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This item is within our selling stock. In the unlikely event that two buyers purchase this item concurrently, payment will be immediately refunded to the latter purchaser. We apologize in advance should this rare circumstance arise.

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Obviously, as these are one-off pieces, the fit may not be quite what you need. To this end, we also offer an alteration service by professional seamstresses. Please shoot us an email outlining what you want and we will quickly respond with a quote and timeframe. Costs are kept to a minimum for this service.

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