The Western world in the twenties to fifties had a special fascination with the Far East and this highly influenced the fashion of that time period. Japan and China especially began to export and sell pieces made specifically for the tourist market that combined classic design elements of those respective cultures with a slight western twist to the cut and colors. You will often see the cropped jacket versions of these come up for sale but these longer pieces are a little harder to find and far more versatile. These were the most prized both then and now. This one is stunning and done in a high grade fine black silk with off white detailing to contrast the cuffs, collar, front and hem. Over this it is embroidered with absolutely brilliant colours. The pattern embroidered onto the silk with its combination of brights and pastel tones is exquisite. This one is a little extra special since it is an earlier piece and the embroidery work is done by hand. It is lovely and light which makes it so easy to wear. This one is not 100% perfect but still has lots of life left to it if you don't mind wearing vintage with a flaw or two. Presents as excellent condition at first glance but does have flaws as noted below.

Fully lined in black tissue silk, it closes with frog knots at the front. There is some shattering to the silk through parts of the ivory borders and an area around the bottom front knot that has shattered and torn. Slight grubbiness along the edges. The last two photos show examples of the areas described. It is in fabulous shape other then these areas. The loose cut should fit a range of sizes. This is sold in as found condition and as a final sale.

51" from the end of one sleeve to the other flat across
Bust: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 45" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG

Item# C571

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This would have originally been a lingerie piece and meant to be worn under another dress. But in our modern world you could easily wear this out as a super sexy dress. What makes it possible for the dress to be worn outside of your house is the lining that they used. It is a lingerie weight opaque nude stretch jersey that sits under the top layer of black machine lace. There are built in cups that have under-wiring and the front laces up from the waist to the curving centre of the bodice. On each side of the top there is a panel of stretch netting that has a touch of transparency to it. The skirt falls in a simple pencil like shape with just a touch of volume created by the way it is set into the top part. It is super easy to wear and finding vintage lingerie that you could potentially wear as a dress is hard to do so it is a great find. Overall great condition with a couple of small notes below.  

Fully lined in nude stretch jersey and the cups have under wiring as described above. It closes with a side zipper. I see a couple of small repairs on the netting that runs on either side of the bust and a small repair in the lace at the front that you see more from the interior then the exterior. A small repair to the interior lining (not photoed). Please see the last three photos. There is a little give on the waist and bust measurements due to the lace front 

Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 43" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# D627

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This coat would have been designed while Youssef Rizkallah headed the company. Youseef joined the Malcolm Starr label in 1969 and remained as the head designer until 1975. The years that Youssef headed the line are among some of my favorites and in particular his pieces that utilize quilting and patchwork are truly iconic. Rizkallah was born in Egypt and studied at the Ecole de dessin appliqué and the Ecole des arts decoratifs in Paris. His designs seem to combine that sense of couture lines that he gained in Paris with the color and vividness of his homeland.

This is a wonderful piece that can be worn as either a coat or a dress thanks to the zip front that completely opens. It has the added provenance of being the twin to the one featured in the ad campaign for 1970. The base of the coat is a black fabric that feels like a light wool that has a slight ribbed texture in it. The entire coat is detailed with a combination of a red braiding and red ric rac that follows the lines of the coat to emphasize the pattern and cut. Elaborate designs run over the body of the piece and all around the hem. Pops of a white cotton are used to  create even more drama. A floral patchwork is set into all of this on big curving and angular cuts. This anchor all the various parts of the design and give a pop of contrast to the the starkness of the red, black and white colour combination. The collar has a beautifully curved cut out to it and it flares out dramatically at the bottom. The sleeves are deliberately kept simple so that all you see is that spectacular design through the body of the coat. It is so dramatic and like wearing art. I love it. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a hand set red silk and closes down the front with an unpainted silver zipper. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Tagged a vintage 8

Sleeves: 22"
Slightly dropped shoulders: 16.5"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 44" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C536

Reference Photo: "The Malcolm Starr All Starrs" Ad, 1970.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.