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

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.

 

This dress in my Personal Collection has a tag that reads, "Mari for I. Magnin". I have seen the identical dress with a Suzy Perette label.
Arnold Constable Jacket

 

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.



From my sold archives:


1970s polyester robe with art nouveau print by St. Michael, which was Marks & Spencer's own brand.

 

From my sold archive:
VINTAGE 50s Navy Blue Shirt Waist Dress with I.Magnin Label




VINTAGE 60s B.H. Wragge 67 Cowl Neck Mod Mini Dress from I.Magnin




VINTAGE 50s Zebra Faux Fur Lucite Top Handle Handbag by Morris Moskowitz From Miss Bergdorf Goodman




VINTAGE 60s Rose Print Silk Dress by Hayette New York From Saks Smartwear Minneapolis




VINTAGE 80s Black Draped Hip Swag Wrap Dress By Rimini From Saks Fifth Avenue

 

J C Penney square bottom necktie from the 60s, their Towncraft line was added in 1958. Tie now available at The Vintage Merchant.




Andrade was a popular department store in Hawaii, often featuring made in Hawaii clothing lines. This safari inspired reverse print aloha shirt from the 60s was manufactured for Andrade, and is now available at The Vintage Merchant.

 

From my sold archives
1950s wide brim straw hat from Vandevers Tulsa OK


1960s Mr. John straw hat from Miss Jackson's Tulsa OK


1950s Gene Shelly suit from Vandevers Tulsa OK


1960s gown from Young Dimensions Saks Fifth Avenue


1960s Hawaiian print lounge dress from Sears

 

1970s Spring Coat Eaton Chelsea Place Label Ladies M






1960s Mod Tweed Wool Cape Saks Fifth Avenue Ladies Size S M





1980s Vintage Victor Costa Ball Gown Red Velvet Dress Size S



1940s Evening Jacket Matador Style Bonwit Teller M

 

50s Silk Satin Gown by Helga, sold at Spokane's The Crescent




60s Linen Shift Dress from Nordstrom Best (Nordstrom was Nordstrom Best 1967-73)




50s Fabric Hat by Debway, from Bloomingdale's




Hat by Leslie James from Best's Apparel, which merged with Nordstrom in 1963




60s Hattie Carnegie Hat from I. Magnin

 

More from my sold orders...

1960s Dior silk pumps with a label from Grieder - high-end department store in Zurich

 

at MagsRags.net, photos are clickable links

a curvy 50s jacket of Palm Beach cloth, from The Ring at Bullock's in Westwood CA


A 70s day dress from the Mollie Parnis Boutique at Saks Fifth Avenue in NYC


A high end Mod dress & coat ensemble - no designer tag, but does have a Joseph Magnin tag




Another Joseph Magnin outfit in a ocean/beach print, with a sleeveless maxidress and matching long sleeved overshirt

 

Thank you all who participated! This week's video is up: