Help dating a Lilli Ann suit
- Thread starter Bbradl
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Ranch Queen Vintage
Administrator
I love the interesting seaming and hip details! I'm leaning towards a 1970s dating, partially for the shape/size of the fur collar and also because the only other era I've seen this skirt shape in Lilli Ann suits is '40s New Look. Seeing more photos of the shoulders on the jacket and the the skirt on its own would be helpful.
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Rue_de_la_Paix
VFG Member
Looks late 40s early 1950s to me. But I also would like to see the actual shoulders under the fur.
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Ranch Queen Vintage
Administrator
Can you please show full-length images of the skirt hanging + zipper and waist closure, full-length jacket back view. Also, please note that this label is machine stitched which would likely indicate a later date. And oops, I neglected to add the link to the blog I mentioned above that might help you with dating.
I am seeing 1950s but this is a tough one!
anothertimevintageapparel
VFG Member
I see style aspects of the 50s, but the back zipper is making it 70s. Plus the A line full skirt.
No Accounting For Taste
VFG Member
This is great! Feels early to mid-70s to me - is there a union label in the side of the jacket?
@ the zipper: does it sit to the side? or, is it a center back zip? sometimes they just get accidentally mis-placed on a mannequin. If it has a skirt label, that should sit to the center back.
Rue_de_la_Paix
VFG Member
Yes, a bit of a head scratcher. I do not have a problem with an A line skirt for the 1950s, but of course that plastic zipper would not be common. And the placement of the zipper is a clue, as has been said.
I recall this general style circa the mid 70s, but the jackets of many of those 70s suits were not so well constructed and stylish as this one is. It nips in at the waist, has broad shoulders and the placement and shape of that beautiful seaming and unusual faux pocket treatment is not typical of 1970s jackets. But then is IS a Lilli Ann!
I recall this general style circa the mid 70s, but the jackets of many of those 70s suits were not so well constructed and stylish as this one is. It nips in at the waist, has broad shoulders and the placement and shape of that beautiful seaming and unusual faux pocket treatment is not typical of 1970s jackets. But then is IS a Lilli Ann!
Ranch Queen Vintage
Administrator
After seeing the skirt details, I'm even more convinced about a '70s dating due to the width of the waistband, the type of button closure with a pointed vs squared edge. In the earlier Lilli Ann suits I've handled, the waistband would have been narrower, with a single narrow flap covering the metal side zipper, as opposed to two flaps meeting in the center like this one.
But, I'm with you Barbara, the unique jacket detailing is definitely a throwback to an earlier era.
But, I'm with you Barbara, the unique jacket detailing is definitely a throwback to an earlier era.
Rue_de_la_Paix
VFG Member
Marsha,
I thought that too, about the wider "70s" waistband. But that jacket!! Any era, it is gorgeous.
I thought that too, about the wider "70s" waistband. But that jacket!! Any era, it is gorgeous.
No there is no union label.
it is a center back zipper and no label in the skirt.