I am surrounded every day by the racks and racks of dresses dating from the mid 1800’s to the present in Goodwill’s Vintage Collection. As I take a closer look at what is hanging around me, I find many are by well-known designers.
Tadashi-shoji: Look this designer up and you will see his dresses on the red carpet of the Oscars year after year, including 2014! He uses figure-flattering techniques, such as draping, ruching, and shutter pleats, to accentuate the positives. Signature pieces include draped jersey gowns, pleated chiffon gowns, and shutter pleated cocktail dresses. Stars that wear his gowns include Helen Mirren, June Squibb, Kate Beckensale, Katy Perry, and Octavia Spencer, and our own Taste of Vintage models!
Anna DiRossi: a designer that only makes dresses to order for her clients. There will be no meeting your dress at a party with this designer! DiRossi does not design and make anything but special occasion clothing. Prices for her originals range from $1,000 to $10,000. This dress is Italian black silk velvet and sheer chiffon.
Victor Costa: in direct contrast to Anna DiRossi, Costa is known as the King of fashion copycats! His designs cost a fraction of the cost of the originals but are still worn by celebrities and royalty of today.
Malcom Starr: best known for cocktail and evening wear, it is said that this designer could be found on 30% of every woman of the country club set across the country. While well known for his beading and glitz, he is also known for the charming applique and embroidery of circus and animal themes.
Lillie Rubin: a popular line of evening wear founded in 1946. No longer in existence, these vintage dresses sell for quite a bit online.
Ursula of Switzerland: this designer focused on special occasion fashion. Her collections are renowned internationally for consistent quality, fit, styling, and value.
Laurence Kazar: very mysterious as this label can be found in any number of the most gorgeous beaded and sequin gowns, but no information seems to be available on the designer.
Barb Byler