Collection of Four Designer Dresses: One Scaasi Two-Piece Ensemble, One Bill Blass, One Louis Feraud, and One Jo Copeland, 1970s

The first of these four dresses was worn by Austine McDonnell Hearst (1920-1991). Austine McDonnell Hearst lived among fashion and high society through her work in the newspaper business, and her marriages to Igor Cassini and William Randolph Hearst Jr. She cultivated close friendships with Charles James and Marguery Bolhagen and would collaborate with designers on custom garments, which she modeled at shows and events. Many of these pieces now reside in museum collections, including the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

This lot includes four designer ensembles; one two-piece, three dresses.

THE FIRST
Brown silk satin two-piece ensemble with woven satin polka dots including a cropped jacket lined with purple satin; paired with matching bloused top dress with gathered skirt.
Label: Arnold Scaasi
Size Label: N/A
Style/Serial No.: N/A

Approximate Measurements:
JACKET
Shoulders: 15"
Chest: 37"
Waist: 32"
Hips: 36"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 20"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 26.5"

DRESS
Shoulders: 18"
Chest: 33"
Waist: 28"
Hips: 50"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 49"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 10"

THE SECOND
Navy wool long sleeve dress with turtleneck collar, white ruffled cuffs, and plastic diamond buttons.
Label: Bill Blass / Dress
Size Label: 19
Style/Serial No.: N/A

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 16"
Chest: 41"
Waist: 40"
Hips: 40"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 39.5"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 31.5"

THE THIRD
Grey cotton checkered short sleeve dress with white front bodice and belted waist.
Label: Louis Feraud / Made in W. Germany / D 38 US 8 UK 12 F 40
Size Label: 8
Style/Serial No.: N/A

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 17"
Chest: 39.5"
Waist: 24.5"
Hips: 69"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 46.75"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 23"

BELT
Length (tip of buckle to end of belt): 35.75"

Width (center back): 3.25"

THE FOURTH
Black wool dress with baby blue satin collar and bows at shoulder.
Label: Pattullo-JoCopeland
Size Label: N/A
Style/Serial No.: N/A

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 15.25"
Chest: 35.5"
Waist: 31.5"
Hips: 36"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 37.5"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 9"

Property from the Collection of a Midwest University

Condition:

THE FIRST
The overall condition is very good with minor wear near seams.

THE SECOND
The overall condition is good structurally with dark spots on both white cuffs and some loose threads throughout the dress.

THE THIRD
The overall condition is very good structurally with a small brown mark on shoulder.

THE FOURTH
The overall condition is very good structurally with a few spots on blue collar and white mark on dress.

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 [email protected] 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.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

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

To request further details about this lot, please email [email protected]

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.

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

Icons of Style: Summer Fashion & Accessories

Collection of Four Designer Dresses: One Scaasi Two-Piece Ensemble, One Bill Blass, One Louis Feraud, and One Jo Copeland, 1970s

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