Department Store Labels: The VFG Fashion Parade for the Week of September 9

denisebrain

VFG Vice President
Staff member
VFG Past President
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Department Store Labels


Vintage department store labels represents an era when retail was more about the “experience” than convenience. They offer a nostalgic look at a time when department stores and boutiques created exclusive, in-house brands to compete with designer labels and build a distinct clientele. The design of these labels often featured elegant typography and simple yet distinguished branding.


From budget to high-end and everything in between, private label fashion reflected a store’s identity. Whether shopping at Neiman Marcus or the local Sears, these curated collections resonated with loyal customers and became trusted household names. Offering a tangible link to mid-century elegance, the bohemian vibes of the 1970s, or the flair of 1980s power dressing, they are a unique way to connect with retailers of the past.
 
From my own collection... 1950s dress from Neusteters of Denver. I actually bought this at a vintage shop in Denver, and the old Neusteters building is still there in downtown Denver, but it has been converted into apartments.

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From my sold archives:
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1970s polyester robe with art nouveau print by St. Michael, which was Marks & Spencer's own brand.
 
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Vintage Late 1950s/Early 1960s Sally Victor Beehive Hat Black and Brown Originally Sold at Florence Wilson/Norfolk/Virginia Beach

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Vintage 1960s Frank Olive Wool Felt Hat Sou'wester Deadstock Originally Sold at Montaldos in Richmond Virginia

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Vintage 1960s Abraham & Straus Feather Hat Shades of Autumn Colors
 
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at MagsRags.net, photos are clickable links

a curvy 50s jacket of Palm Beach cloth, from The Ring at Bullock's in Westwood CA
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A 70s day dress from the Mollie Parnis Boutique at Saks Fifth Avenue in NYC
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A high end Mod dress & coat ensemble - no designer tag, but does have a Joseph Magnin tag
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Another Joseph Magnin outfit in a ocean/beach print, with a sleeveless maxidress and matching long sleeved overshirt
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Thank you all who participated! This week's video is up:

Wow! That is the most elegant video I have seen in a long, long time. And the music is a perfect match. Makes me wish there were some sort of lux department store in my little town. Walmart and Target just don't seem to cut it. Maybe I'll get it out of my system tomorrow when I go thrifting.
 
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