Lisa Kane ? 60's? Op Art Sequin Dress

J

Jazzle Dazzle

Registered Guest
Lisa Kane ? 60\'s? Op Art Sequin Dress

Thank you all for your warm welcome. I don't know if vintage jewelry questions are ever posted here but I'd sure be happy to lend my expertise if it's needed.

First off I would be curious to know what you all recommend in terms of vintage clothing reference books. I've purchased a couple price guides, but what I really need are identification guides, assistance in recognizing styles/terms/fabrics/how to care for, etc.

Secondly, I have another dress I would appreciate any feedback about. The label is Fantasy by Lisa Kane, and I'm not finding a reference to this maker, or dating . . .

This mini-dress is silk with rayon lining, covered entirely with sequins in a kind of mod op art design. It really screams 60's at least in look, but I'm wondering if it might in fact be a later piece. I've included some pics, and a photo of the label which the VFG Label Poo-Bahs are welcome to use. Many thanks!

<img src=http://www.jazbot.com/Jazz/ebay/yellowblack1.jpg><img src=http://www.jazbot.com/Jazz/ebay/yellowblack4.jpg>

<img src=http://www.jazbot.com/Jazz/ebay/lisakanelabel.jpg>
 
First of all I want to welcome you, I have been away for the past week due to my sons wedding so WELCOME.

I would love to learn more about vintage jewelry and that is an essiental accessory for vintage clothing.

I love the manni she is great features. Just beautiful! Dress looks 60s to me. Never heard of Lisa Kane. I see the label is hand sewn in. Is the construction of it high quality? Must be. I like the sparkle to it.
 
Yes, the construction is very high quality. There is a secondary label underneath the Lisa Kane that says "Rayon Lining / Dry Clean Only / Made in India."

I love the manni too - found her online. I got tired of hunting on eBay and not quite finding the right one. But she's a size 6 so while she models most clothes very well, the smaller things won't fit! Her shoulders are a bit broad!
 
I never did answer your question about references. I have only one price guide and believe me I don't use the prices esp with the way prices are on ebay. I have a fashion dictionary Thames and Hudson ( good for referencing designers but not the best there is ) I have a handbag book shoe book other books. But the ones I like best are my catalogs.

For sewing etc I have several eras of sewing books from the 40's on up. You can find some great examples of fabrics in catalogs too. Even in the bedspreads and curtains areas of the books. I also have the complete guide to VIntage Textiles. ( its a great book) I have fabric savvy by Betzina that is a good guide for fabrics. Actually I have alot of books some I use some I don't. Oh and the Vogues and Seventeens are great!

Boy I could go on and on. ( Do we have a book referencing area here on the home page?)
 
Hi!

I like the Thames & Hudson book Pauline mentioned; also:

- New York Fashion - a great reference for the work of American designers. I find the way it's organized to be extremely difficult (in other words, bad) but the information - lots of it - is there.

- Fairchild's Dictionary of Fashion - I know I'm not alone in thinking this is an essential. Great for identifying styles and fabrics, and excellent for brief histories of same.

- Couture (Caroline Reynolds Milbank) - excellent all-around designer reference. I bought it when it was published in the 80's, it's a big ol' hardcover/mega coffee table TOME; I'm not sure if there were subsequent editions.

Great question, I'll be interested to see what's at the top of others' hit parades :)

I can supply publishing info for the above if you're interested - I'd do it now but the books are downstairs & I'm up :)

Carolyn
 
Thanks so much! There IS a reference book link on the eBay's Vintage Fashion discussion board, but it leads to a dead link. :-(

I know what you mean though about reference books -- I have an entire shelf for vintage jewelry and I keep buying more. They are worth their weight in gold!
 
Hi Lisa!


I have a feeling this dress is later (i.e. late 80s, maybe even early 90s), but that
wouldn't deter me at all - it is a dynamite dress! I would list it in contemporary (and if it is 80s....someone will be able to tell you for sure, list it in vintage too).

As for reference books, this is something that is in the
works.

An invaluable tool I have found is vintage catalogues and you can quite often find them on Ebay (check out newly
listed BINS first), for not too expensive.

There is also a series of books "Everyday wear from Sears
Catalogues", that are broken up into decades (30s, 40s, etc)
These are great! (don't have them handy at the moment, and I forget the publisher and author - but they are inexpensive and super reference).

Sue
 
What a beautiful manni and what a beautiful dress. I suspect, too, that it's latter 80s or early 90s, but it's such a great dress that I would imagine you will do very well with it. Absolutely smashing.
Welcome! I know zero about vintage jewelry (although I have drawers full), so your expertise is enthusiastically welcome!
As for reference books:
I've found New York Fashion, and Fairchilds Dictionary of Fashion (already mentioned) to be really great sources. I have tons of vintage fashion books and intend, one of these days :), to make a nice, comprehensive list.
Again, welcome aboard!
joey
 
Hello Lisa, and welcome!

That is a beautiful dress and I will second the 80s.

Your vintage catalogs are the best for IDing. You can get them on Ebay. Try to get the Montgomery Ward ones. They have more pictures than Sears. I have some from the 40s through the 70s and they are invaluable. Old vintage magazines are great, too.

Of course, you can always come and ask us.:D

Sewing books from the 50s to the 70s that you can pick up at thrift stores or garage sales are very helpful.

I wouldn't spend a lot on fashion books but I do enjoy my scarf book , "The Scarf" by Andrew Baseman; my "Ladies' Vintage Accessories" Identification & Value Guide book by
La Ree Johnson Bruton; and a "Century of Bags" by Claire Wilcox.

Oh, and thanks for the offer to help on vintage jewelry. I have plenty that I need to list!
 
I agree Sue, this dress is late 80s - early 90s. The label looks like old type, but for the 60s the skirt is too short in combination with the scoop neck, nipped waist, but not nipped or fitted enough and the straight skirt plus the tartan sequined silk of the dress, and the armholes are definately too large for the 60s.
 
Welcome!
I have also find that beaded and sequined dresses that have a 'Made in India' label are ususally 80s /90s. Not always, but usually. It seems that beaded imports in the 50s and 60s were more likely to be from Hong Kong.

The Fashions as Seen in Sears books are from Dover Pubilcations. They do have a web site and have quite a few books on fashion history, and most are very reasonably priced.


Hollis
 
Welcome Lisa!

I have done very well selling some of those rayon/sequin dresses and skirts from India - they are usually very well made! Make sure to use INDIA in the title - it really helps! :)

Also, I just came into a lot of jewelry with some great pieces. I always search for those unique...sometimes even "out there"...pieces! This usually ends up leaving me with some questions - glad to know you are here! :)

Christine
 
"""It seems that beaded imports in the 50s and 60s were more likely to be from Hong Kong."""

And beaded/sequinced handbags were also made in Hong Kong in the 50s etc....it never occurred to me that clothing would be the same case...

Chris
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top