Help With Info on Vintage Beaded Top Made by De-Jan's Knitted Arts, Hong Kong

R

Rachael

Registered Guest
I found this beautiful light pink beaded and sequined top at an estate sale. It was in a box with several other items that I hope to post for feedback from this forum, since this is not my area of expertise. Many of the items have the same tag (De-Jan's Knitted Arts, Kowloon, Hong Kong), which I cannot find anywhere online so far.

The top is fully lined and zips completely down the back. I'm happy to post measurements or additional photos if they would be helpful (I apologize if these pics aren't great...I don't have a model available). I would really appreciate any information anyone has to share about the label and/or ideas about dating (the other pieces in the box appear to be 1950s-1960s but that's mostly a broad guess on my part). Many thanks!

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Yes, I agree with Deborah - these were very popular in the '60s and hand beaded in big factories in Hong Kong. They appear with many labels but the style is similar and they're usually in soft pastel colours like yours. They have boxy shapes and were worn with long, matching but unbeaded straight evening skirts.

I have several in stock currently (they're common in Australia, as HK was a popular destination) you can see them here.
 
I've noticed that too MJ! They're often called "shell tops" in the US. The term has been used here in Aus in the last 20 years but not in the '60s.

I think "shell top" is a simple, sleeveless style, designed to be worn under a jacket although when they're beaded like this it's best to wear them uncovered. I am yet to see a proper definition for them.
 
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