Malcolm Starr Beaded Gown

[pdmRN]

Hello everyone ... first time poster here. Wondering if I could get some input from any of you wonderful experts on a gown I have.

It is a Malcolm Starr with a label indicative of the 60s. Owned by a vegas show girl and from Margaret Talkington's couture dress shop in Lubbock, TX. In addition to the Malcolm Starr label there is a Margarets label as well. Margaret's lubbock shop was quite the institution - founded in 1954 and was taken out by a tornado in the 70s. Link to info on her shop - http://www.legacylubbock.com/v/news-detail/Talkington-Altered-Face-of-Lubbock/3b/

The gown is in pretty good shape with a few loose threads and missing beads. No stains, armpits clean. Size 14. Made in Hong Kong. The photos I have are not great unfortunately. The color is brilliant with gold glass beads outlining a paisley design on minty turquoise green. I haven't photographed the labels yet but they include the exact one I am attaching (from VTG label guild), the Hong Kong one and the Margaret's one.

Any input you have would or comparables be so greatly appreciated

Gratefully,

Patrice in Houston

 

[joules]

Hi Patrice. What a nice example this is, and thanks for sharing all the background information. We don't provide pricing comparables, I'm afraid. In my experience, Malcolm Starr prices remain strong.
I don't think I would describe the beading as a paisley pattern, however.
It's quite gorgeous and unique, and rather seems Asian-inspired to me, with its cloudlike shapes. Quite pretty.

 

[pdmRN]

Ooops, gotcha ! Thank you so much joules !!

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

It's really a beautiful colour combination! I actually see abstract flowers and leaves in the patterning. Thank you for sharing!

 

[joules]

Thanks again for all your lovely pictures of the gown; you're totally welcome!
Like Mary Jane, I see those natural elements as well, in the stylized beading design.

 

[Sky Ranch Vintage]

Stunning dress. As stated above, we don't provide comparables or pricing, but I have always done very well with Malcom Starr. I also agree that it's not paisley but a natural motif. If you will be selling it on line, I would just add as much info as possible about Malcom Starr, the shop it was purchased from as well as the original owner. I find that provinance helps achieve a good price with pieces like this; just don't forget to site your sources if you will be pulling previously written material from the internet ';)

 

[Better Dresses Vintage]

Hi Patrice -- I told you they were helpful! - Liza

 

[pdmRN]

Yup, Liza you were right on !! Thanks everyone so much

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Beautiful gown - I can't add more except to say that I would date it as early '60s and agree that the beaded motifs are of stylised flowers and leaves.