Two Jackets: One Christian Dior, One Lilli Ann, 1950s

This lot includes two jackets. The Lilli Ann jacket was printed in a 1955 Lilli Ann advertisement in Vogue, photographed by Roger Prigent.

Bio on Lilli Ann:
Founded by Adolph Schuman in 1934, the San Francisco-based label was named for the proprietor’s wife, Lillian Brown. Lilli Ann was founded thanks to an $800 loan, enabling Schuman to transition from wholesale fashion to creating his own line of womenswear. Schuman developed key partnerships with Jean Wright and Billie Dugan, young women who began as models for the brand, and later served as pattern cutters and lead designers. Savvy in his dealings, Schuman began purchasing large quantities of fine fabrics from small European textile mills in the 1950s, helping to revitalize the French and Italian textile industries which had been decimated by the Second World War.

THE FIRST
Grey woven jacket with large spread collar, three quarter length sleeves, two front welted pockets, attached neck tie, and open front.
Label: Christian Dior Original
Made in U.S.A. Christian Dior-New York Inc.
Size Label: Unlabeled

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 14"
Chest: 39"
Waist: 39"
Hips: 38.75"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 23.5"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 23.25"

THE SECOND
White wool woven with black thread jacket with shawl lapel, set-in pleated bell sleeves with rhinestone embellished buckles, and center front button closure. The full hips are supported by an inner-construction of extra layers of fabric and ribbon.
Label: An Original from Lilli Ann of San Francisco
Size Label: Unlabeled

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 16.5"
Chest: 29.5"
Waist: 25.75"
Hips: 40.75"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 26"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 26"

Property from the Collection of the North Coast College

Condition:

THE FIRST
The overall condition is very good with no visible issues.

THE SECOND
The overall condition is very good though minor faint white marks on the lining around the left armscye.

Everything is sold 'As Is’. The stated overall condition of the lot is based on the assumption that the wear is consistent with age and use. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. All other condition issues are stated above. To request additional working condition photos, please email us with the lot number. Condition is a matter of opinion of the evaluator and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Clients must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

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Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Timothy Long

Director, Senior Specialist, Couture & Luxury Accessories

[email protected]312.334.4222

Mr. Long has nearly 20 years of experience as a curator of fashion and decorative arts in museums including the Museum of London, the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and the Chicago History Museum. At Hindman, he works with individual clients, collectors, dealers, and museums to bring to auction collections of couture and luxury accessories. Mr. Long’s recent publications include Charles James: Designer in Detail and a chapter on the same designer in London Couture: British Luxury 1923–1975, both published by V&A Publishing.

Fall Fashion & Accessories

Two Jackets: One Christian Dior, One Lilli Ann, 1950s

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