Maureen Baker info and date

[Shane Didcock]

Hi I’m Shane, I have recently made my first purchase from a charity shop of proper vintage and am interested to know more about how to date my item as well as finding out as much as I can about the designer. My daughters are also very into vintage right now so would be lovely to gain more knowledge. May recent purchase is a Maureen Baker evening coat I believe. I have added the label to the label resource as it didn’t seem to be there. I think it is likely 1970’s but not sure as condition is amazing so could be more recent? I haven’t been able to find evidence of many other pieces. Any info great fully received. Also would love to know what fabric it is. Thanks

 

[Vintagiality]

Maureen Baker, was chief designer for Susan Small for many years. She joined the firm in 1943 and created Princess Anne’s wedding dress in 1973. With the demise of Susan Small, Baker started her own company ‘Maureen Baker Designs’ in 1978, continuing to enjoy the Princess’s patronage, among others.

You can find the info here:
https://vintagefashionguild.org/label-resource/small-susan/
By looking at the coat, I saw 60s but given the history, I would assume your coat is from after she started her own company in 1978 as the Susan Small labels didn’t seam to have included her name.

 

[Shane Didcock]

Yes I did see that info so thought late 70’s but was curious to know more about her own label as there doesn’t seem to be much info other than 250 pieces made for princess anne including her wedding dress, a few pieces for Margaret thatcher. There is a collection in the V&A museum of her designs. Would be interested to know value of her items too but can’t seem to find anything online?