Another Lilli Ann Dress - 1956

What are the chances?  I open another magazine from 1956 and there is another dress by Lilli Ann!  It makes me wonder if the company was just starting to manufacture dresses at this time, or if it was just that they advertised dresses during the summer months instead of suits.  This deserves more investigation.  This fitted sheath has jutting pockets at the hips and the bust is adorned with embroidery, rhinestones and pearls.  I have to be honest.  I'm not sure if the placement of all that decoration is attractive or unfortunate.  What's your opinion?

Lilli Ann Dress - 1956

Are you surprised?  Yes, this dress from 1956 is by Lilli Ann!  The company did offer a few dresses in their line, but they were best known, of course, for their fabulous suits.  This dress was made from a Lilli Ann exclusive fabric, as all their suits were.  Striped fabric was hand blocked with a print inspired by the Siege of Troy.  The print is accented with hand-cut Austrian crystal rhinestones.  The dress came in black and white or turquoise and white.  Sold for $40 in 1956 (about $337 in today's dollar.)  Do you love it?

And congrats to Vintage Suburbia who was the only person to guess correctly!

Who Doesn't Love Lilli Ann? Part Deux

Adolph Schuman named his company, Lilli Ann, after his wife. Started in 1935 in San Francisco, Lilli Ann grossed over $7,000,000 in 1953. Lilli Ann suits and coats are still sought after today, especially those from the mid 1950s. See more Lilli Ann suits and coats here.

This 1955 suit is fashioned of a fabric called "Trouville", a blend of silk, mohair, and worsted. Check out the seaming on the collar, where the stripes are perfectly matched. Sold in 1955 for about $100.00 (about $814.00 in today's dollar.)

Also from 1955, this suit shows a brilliant use of pleats. Fashioned of a blend of silk, mohair, and worsted, the suit has Austrian crystal accents. Sold in 1955 for about $100.00 (about $814.00 in today's dollar.)

From 1954, this suit literally takes my breath away. The mohair blend fabric is accented with velvet panels. Came in gray with black or beige with brown. Sold in 1954 for about $100.00 (about $811.00 in today's dollar.)

From 1955, this ensemble consists of an empire waisted sheath dress and matching peplum jacket. Available in pink, blue, or beige, this was advertised as a "bride's costume". Sold in 1955 for about $100.00 (about $814.00 in today's dollar.)

From 1956, this suit is made of Sabine stripe fabric woven in France exclusively for Lilli Ann in beige, pink, and gray-blue. The asymmetric collar balances the pockets on the opposite side. Sold in 1956 for about $100.00 (about $802.00 in today's dollar.)

I currently have one Lilli Ann suit available at Couture Allure. This one dates a bit earlier than those shown above, but shows the same ingenious sense of design that flatters a woman's figure. Bargain priced at $175.00 due to some minor moth damage on one sleeve.

New at Couture Allure - Vintage Designer Dresses and Suits

New this week at Couture Allure are lots of designer dresses, evening gowns, and suits. Be sure to check our What's New page to see all the newly listed items!

1950s silk shantung suit by Irene Lentz

1950s Lilli Ann suit with rhinestone buttons.

1970s Bob Mackie couture custom made disco dress.

1980s Richlene beaded crystal pleat evening gown.

1940s cream rayon crepe dress with hip drape.

1960s Arnold Scaasi couture cocktail dress.