Would love some insight into this vintage label please :)

[Vintage Nina]

Hi vintage lovers,

I have this gorgeous 1960’s all cotton lace dress, but I haven’t been able to find any background info on the label and would so love to know more about it!

Any clues would be so appreciated!

Cheers,
Viv

 

[denisebrain]

That is a really unusual name, which appears to have an alternate spelling, Balfe. Even with that info, I could find nothing about your label. If Nicole @Circa Vintage Clothing is around, she may have some knowledge of this.

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

That is a really unusual name, which appears to have an alternate spelling, Balfe. Even with that info, I could find nothing about your label. If Nicole @Circa Vintage Clothing is around, she may have some knowledge of this.

Thanks Maggie, I had a look for this label, because it's new to me too.

Can't find anything in my usual sources but I did find one mention of the unusual surname in relation to clothing manufacturing: the City of Sydney has a document - '19/21 Buckingham Street Surry Hills. Use for the manufacture of clothing. G Balooeff S Ryan & N Delaney.' It could be a good starting point to find out more. The date is '62-63 which tallies with the dress. The building has been redeveloped but judging by the location and info was probably a clothing factory and office.

Found a few things on Trove: a mention of a 'billowy ballerina dress' worn by the 'Queen of the Coral Sea' in '54 and mention of 'Balooeff Gowns' in 1974 when the company was dissolved. It's likely they stopped trading some time before that. Trove have a little more, but not much.

Nicole