Vintage Lilli Ann Suit in Navy Blue Suit 1940s SOLD

SOLD

Detail: Detail: Exquisite vintage Lilli Ann suit from the late 1940s, clearly inspired by Dior's New-Look collection of 1948. Navy blue skirt and jacket with expansive double layered collar trimmed in a white and blue stitch work design. Classic late 40s A-line skirt with small kick pleat to reverse; half lined in satin. The jacket offers a beautiful silhouette with nipped in waistline and full peplum; French cuffs, and lined in satin.  A wounderfully constructed piece, and superb quality!

Period: Late 1940s

Colour: French Navy Blue and white trim

Sizing: Medium. UK10-12. Jacket: Shoulder from seam to seam 16 inches. Sleeve from shoulder seam to cuff 24 inches (turned up). Bust 37 inches. Waist upto 29.5 inches. Length from back of collar to hem 25 inches. Skirt: Waist 28 inches. Hips upto 40 inches. Length 27 inches.

Fabric: Wool, Cotton and Linen Mix

Origin: USA

Condition: Near Perfect / Mint. 

Care: Specialist Dryclean

 

 

The Lilli Ann label was started in San Francisco in 1933 by Adolph Schuman, naming his company for his wife, Lillian. The company became known for their beautiful, elaborately designed suits and coats. After WWII, Schuman went to France and it was during this time that the labels had “Paris” added to them. While in France, Schuman was buying fabrics, and many of the labels in Lilli Ann designs also contain the name of the French factory that made the fabric. Many of these fabrics were bought from small textile companies, that were in such financial straits after the war that they were in danger of closing. Schuman bought from these small companies, and was thus credited with saving many of them from financial ruin. For his efforts Schuman was awarded medals from both France and Italy, and the Lilli Ann customer got a suit made of high quality, hand-loomed fabric. In the 1960s, there was a popular Lilli Ann Knits line, and a mod-inspired London line. The 70s brought a career look for Lilli Ann. Adolph Schuman died in 1985, but the company continued under the direction of his heirs. The company was sold in the 1990s, and was closed by 2000.