Classic late 1970s/early 1980s black wool cavalry twill double breast tuxedo style dress by Donna Karan from the collection of a retired NYC fashion magazine editor who got it from the designer back in the day, a fabulous timeless collector piece for the Donna Karan aficionado (You know who you are!). The styling is classic Donna with a menswear vibe in a feminine form, and the tuxedo peak lapel adds a day to evening feature. The construction is architectural inside, with a button-across panel to keep the skirt in place. There are working pockets on the outside that can easily fit your iPhone or PDA.
The shoulders are lined in taffeta, but the rest is not, so you will need to wear a slip, though the wool is not scratchy. The weight of the wool is heavier than a lightweight jersey dress, which is what gives it the body it does. If you have worn vintage Donna you know the types of wools she used back in the 70s and 80s. There are shoulder pads, yes, but they could be removed by a tailor if that is not your thing. These vintage Donna Karan pieces don't come up much on eBay because they stay in rotation even 30 years after they were new, a testament to their timelessness. This, to me, is a museum piece that could easily be part of a retrospective, it's that classic. Excellent condition with no holes, only minor surface wear, but no stains or storage blemishes. I have shown it with a cashmere tank that is not included.
Label: Donna Karan New York (1980s label)
Size: 14 (there is a red, white, blue ILGWU Union Label, so we know it was made in NYC in the garment center after 1974)
Fabric: Wool Double-knit cavalry twill (with stretch); unlined; the back side waist is elastic (not worn out)
Notes: shoulder pads, which could be removed by a tailor
Measurements: Laid flat (with all pertinent dimensions; ask for clarification if needed)
22" across the bust; 22" across the back, opposite the bust
18" across the waist (the waist has "give")
19" across the hip (again, there is "give" in the hips; the lower button for the hip open side of the skirt has no button hole to accommodate walking and a fuller hip
18" across the shoulder (the shoulder pad extends out past the seam to 19" to 19-1/4")
34-1/2" " outer sleeve length, measured from the center of the neckline (back of neck) down shoulder and sleeve to edge of sleeve
41" length from shoulder to hemline front
41-1/4" length from back of neckline to hemline rear
19" length from back of collar seam to middle of elastic waist sash on the back side
17-3/4" sleeve inseam length
24-1/2" outer sleeve, shoulder seam to edge of sleeve
lined? no lining; the shoulders are lined in acetate taffeta only; seams are exposed inside the dress
About me: I am a NYC-based magazine writer, set designer, & photography prop stylist for magazines like Real Simple, Instyle, Modern Luxury & others. I’m also a stealth shopping/ sourcing powerhouse, and can source an antique or a special prop for a photo shoot, movie set, or fashion designer with my eyes closed. I started my career in New York City in the late 1980s dressing display windows at Henri Bendel & the elegant Bergdorf Goodman on Fifth Avenue in the glory days of real story-telling windows. It was there that I learned the art of styling clothing & creating an aspirational & romantic mood with merchandise, props, & the finest luxury designer clothing. These days I find time to sell some of my finds on Ebay & Etsy (see CoolVintageFinds & GreatGuyGifts) and am a home organization expert, the "Clutter Coach" for REAL SIMPLE magazine.
I also source props for shoots & work often as photo stylist, putting the finishing touches on interiors & location shoots. and since I’m shopping constantly, and love fancy estate sales I scour them regularly and with great skill; the result is an online shop that I consider a finely curated collection of vintage clothing, home accessories, & mid century odds and ends from high end homes in NYC, Westchester County, and Long Island---with very fair/affordable pricing. I also take consignments from fashion stylists & fashion editors I know in NYC who have packed closets filled with designer garments they bought, received as gifts from designers, or used on photo shoots and are in perfect condition--all sold here & ready for new fashionistas to enjoy them.
If you have questions about fit or condition, or any questions about measurements or details that I may have overlooked in listing the item, please send me a Convo me with any questions. I want to get all the information you need to you as quickly as possible. If there is an issue once you receive your item please contact me right away and we can rectify the situation. On returns: My policy on returns is this: like all retailers I’m not a fan of returns unless there is a serious condition issue upon arrival--I measure and detail every item more than most sellers & provide as much info as possible--and expect that you will use those measurements & details to guide your purchase. I’ve done my work and I expect you will have done yours. That said, I’m not an ogre, so if there is a real issue with your purchase (other than you changed your mind like you might at a major big box retailer, I will take a return within reason on garments that arrive back to me in the same condition I sent them in. I understand that in buying, for instance, vintage clothing, which I sell, fit can be tricky, so talk to me in advance of issues you have, and afterwards if there is a real problem. I want happy customers, and I certainly want your clothes to fit. I’m an easy to approach seller, and I love hearing from customers looking for specific items.
Thanks for stopping by. And check back often for constant additions to my inventory.
Chip