Pastime Fashions

Henry Rosenfeld

pastimefashionsadmin — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 08:54:52 +0000

Henry Rosenfeld was a fashion designer who made low budget fashions. He was born on May 17, 1911 in New York and died on February 5, 1986.

In 1942, at a time when fabric shortages had severely crippled the garment trade, Rosenfeld began a business with $40,000 and quickly parlayed it into a $30-million-a-year line he described as a “class-market dress at mass-market prices.” Women who could afford much more than his $9 to $25 dresses found themselves wearing them because of their style and workmanship. Reference: Los Angeles Times

Below are some examples and price guides of fashion by Henry Rosenfeld including a vintage 1940’s dress and a black leather handbag.

Vintage 1940’s Henry Rosenfeld Taffeta & Velvet Party Dress, elbow length sleeves, square neck with black velvet and tassel trim collar, blue plaid taffeta blend, flared pleated skirt, side metal zipper, Approx. 36″ Bust, 27″ Waist, seam repair needed on right upper sleeve

Sold for US$120 at Denise Ryan Auctions in 2022

Henry Rosenfeld 50s black leather rectangular handbag with gold tone corner embellishments with four internal pockets and one zippered pocket 12″ H x 8″ W, 6″ drop

Sold for US$60 at Ripley Auctions in 2021

Vintage 1950s Henry Rosenfeld Floral Full Swing Day Dress. Excellent condition with minor wear and tear. Sheer with no lining. Zipper in the back for closure.

Sold for US$50 at Vintage World Rocks LLC in 2017

50’s Black Velvet Dress – Size 4

This is a gorgeous vintage 1950’s black velvet wiggle dress by designer Henry Rosenfeld. The dress has measurements close to that of a modern size 4 to 6 .There is a long silver tone metal zipper along the left side seam. It is a fairly long and fitted dress that has a slimming appearance. Measurements: Bust 37″, Waist 27″, Hips 40″, Length 47″.

Sold for US$40 at Coastal Auction House in 2019

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Germaine Lecomte

pastimefashionsadmin — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 08:22:49 +0000

Germaine Lecomte was born on the 28th August 1889 in Bressuire, Deux-Sèvres, France. She was a French fashion designer who founded her house in 1920 on Paris’s Royale Street, and later moved to Avenue Matignon.

She provided costumes for a number of movies including Obsession, The Scheming Women, Napoleon Road, The Millionaire Tramp, The Gay Adventure, Memorable Eyes, By the Window, A Ghost, Jean of the Moon, and L’Arpete. Perfumes launched by Germaine Lecomte included Love Witch and Party Night. Maurice Chevalier sang a commercial about Party Night. She died on the 1st October 1966 in Paris. Reference: Wikipedia

Below are some examples and price guides of vintage clothes by the designer Germaine Lecompte including a black velvet evening gown.

GERMAINE LECOMTE FLAMENCO INSPIRED EVENING GOWN, PARIS, LATE 1940s

Flamenco inspired strapless evening gown of black lace over cream silk w/ broad scarlet velvet fitted bodice, shaped hip flounce w/ deep V at CF & CB, floor length full circular skirt w/ appliqued tiered bands of black lace, label “Germaine Lecomte, Paris”, B 35″, W 25″, L 53″-57″, (large broad staining, wear to lace & mesh at hemline, 0.5″ hole right back, zipper tarnished) good.

Sold for US$475 at Augusta Auctions in 2022

A Germaine Lecomte couture black velvet evening gown, early 1930s, black on ivory woven label, no.01454, the bolduc bearing the client name ‘Perkins’, with ermine-edged peplum with side ties to the waist, godets to give flare to the hem, bust 92cm, 36in

Sold for £700 at Kerry Taylor Auctions in 2018

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Taffeta

pastimefashionsadmin — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 08:36:48 +0000

Taffeta is a crisp, smooth, plain woven fabric made from silk, cuprammonium rayons, acetate, or polyester. Reference: Wikipedia. It has been used for centuries in dress making. It was a popular choice for purses and fastenings and since the 1950’s it has often been used to make ball gowns as it holds its shape well.

Below are some examples and price guides of vintage and antique taffeta items including a civil war bustle dress and a blush silk taffeta skirt.

Blush Silk Taffeta Skirt with a Long Train
The skirt with a bow clasp at the waist; open down the center; tiered; long pooling train; unlabeled, approximately size 2.

Sold for US$89.60 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2023

A WHITE EMBROIDERED PURPLE SILK TAFFETA HALTER TOP EVENING DRESS WITH RHINESTONE DETAILING
CIRCA 1990

Worn for various photographs to promote the album Mistaken Identity

Sold for USD 2,142 at Christie’s in 2023

COUTURE JEAN PATOU COCKTAIL DRESS, FRANCE, 1950s

Black silk taffeta cocktail dress w/ draped, shaped & pleated bodice, silk embroidered interlaced corded bands w/ cutouts, full gathered & pleated skirt, horsehair underskirt & cream silk crepe bodice lining, label “Jean Patou” & w/ illegible couture tape, B 38”, W 28”, L 44”, (light 0.75” stain front right W, draping disheveled at right SH & left W, 2” seam opening right armscye, 1.5” left & 1” right underarm, 12” thread pull CB seat, section of loose stitching up to 3” at hem) very good.

Sold for US$700 at Augusta Auctions in 2023

Silk Embroidered and Linen Bodice 18th Century. Fine brocaded coral fabric, embroidered with flowers and ribbons, with coral colored silk satin taffeta to tabs at hems. Two eyelet plackets to the interior of the garment, and the interior lined in the coral taffeta and linen. To the sleeve hems, residual silk tape lace. Probably French. Circa 1760. {Approximate dimensions: 34″ Bust (ie the front sides meet, as per the embroidered design matches there), 30″ Waist. 21″ Maximum length from shoulder to tab. Condition: Very good condition overall. Light foxing to lining. Mesh restoration to laces at sleeves. Wear to tape lining at nape of neck to back.

Sold for US$350 at Michaan’s Auctions in 2023

1860s Civil War Era Taffeta & Velvet Bustle Dress

Beautiful deep burgundy sill velvet trim on bodice accented with a lovely circling back hem & train. Heavily pleated waist. Off white ruffle completely around the hem & train. (16) small metal buttons along the front with an additional (16) decorative metal buttons presented in a criss cross pattern along its backside. One long split in taffeta where the rear bow would lay. Once sewn it would not be seen and would be covered by bow tails. This was found in the same box as another Civil-War era gown that has a Paris label. We believe the original owner had her clothing made in Paris. This one is missing the label. Exquisite dress making skills went into creating this lovely outfit.

Sold for US$325 at Donley Auctions in 2023

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Velvet

pastimefashionsadmin — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 08:13:16 +0000

Velvet is a type of woven tufted fabric in which the cut threads are evenly distributed, with a short, dense pile, giving it a distinctive soft feel. Reference: Wikipedia. It can be synthetic or natural such as cotton or silk. Old silk velvet which dates to pre WWII often has a finer feel to it than modern fabric.

Below are some examples and price guides of velvet items including a Christian Dior jacket and a velvet and tulle flower gown from the 1950’s.

Christian Dior: a Blue Velvet Dress Coat
Autumn/Winter 2001

Condition Grade B+

Sold for €701.25 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2023

A DARK PLUM SILK VELVET COLLARLESS GOLD AND PURPLE BUTTON CUFF PATCH POCKET CLUTCH JACKET
CHANEL, LATE 20TH/EARLY 21ST CENTURY

With padded shoulders and gold mesh and silver sequin braid trim

Sold for USD 6,300 at Christie’s in 2023

Four Chanel Silk, Velvet and Fabric Flower Pins
All signed Chanel, Made in France.

Sold for $157 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2023

Scotch & Soda Satin Trimmed Velvet Tuxedo Blazer Tuxedo Sakko Jacket 46
Style: Jacket
Vintage: No
Size Type: Normal Size
Features: with a removable pen lateral Slits back embellished is.
Theme: 80s 90s
Type: Blazer
Size: 46

Sold for US$280 at Bidhaus in 2023

Vintage 1950’s Will Steinman Tulle and Velvet Flower Gown

approx. 34 bust, 24 waist, good condition

Sold for US$150 at Denise Ryan Auctions in 2023

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Diamonds

pastimefashionsadmin — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 09:27:19 +0000

Diamonds are one of the most desirable gemstones and can be valued both on their rarity and quality. They are hard gemstones which have not only been used in jewelry, but also precision tooling.

Below are some examples and price guides of vintage and antique diamond jewelry, including a Georges Fouquet Art Nouveau diamond wing brooch and a 1920’s love bird brooch.

TWO ART DECO WHITE GOLD AND DIAMOND RINGS
Each set with old mine and single-cut diamonds, approximate total diamond weight 1.00 carats, weight 4.0 dwt, size 7 1/2, 8 3/4

Sold for US$1,402.50 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2023

GEORGES FOUQUET ART NOUVEAU BAROQUE PEARL, DIAMOND AND ENAMEL ‘WINGS’ BROOCH
Baroque pearl, old and rose-cut diamonds, green plique-à-jour enamel, silver-topped gold, circa 1907 – 1908, unsigned, accompanied by a brooch fitting of later addition with maker’s mark (Péry & Fils)

Françoise Cailles, 2011: Certificate of Authenticity

Size/Dimensions: 12.5 x 8.5 cm (4 7/8 x 3 1/4 in), wings adjustable
Gross Weight: 34.8 grams

Sold for USD 151,200 at Christie’s in 2022

Antique Rose Gold, Silver, Pearl and Diamond Bangle Bracelet
One button pearl ap. 7.0 mm., 18 old-mine cut diamonds ap. 3.60 cts., ap. 11.6 dwts. Inner cir. 6 3/4 inches.

Sold for $2,520 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2023

VINTAGE PLATINUM & DIAMOND BRACELET

Sold for US$8,000 at Leighton Galleries in 2023

Magnificent solid platinum genuine diamonds,emeralds, rubies, sapphires in this gorgeous circle pin with two lovebirds is an exceptional high end piece from the 1920s 3ctw all genuine, original, matching old miners

Sold for US$4,600 at Jasper52 in 2023

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Knitwear

pastimefashionsadmin — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 09:32:28 +0000

Knitwear. Knitting is an ancient craft and the some of the earliest examples date back to the Ancient Egyptian times where knitted socks have been found. Knitted items can consist of different fibers such as wool, rayon and more recently acrylic fibers but they can also consist of wire such as silver wire.

Knitting remained a popular hobby until the 1980’s when there was a decline. However, thankfully knitting has made a resurgence in popularity.

Below are some examples and price guides of knitwear including a vintage swimsuit ensemble and a silver wire knitted belt.

A PAIR OF RUTH BADER GINSBURG BLACK LACE GLOVES.
Black cotton fishnet gloves with knitted floral pattern to back of hand, scalloped wrists, 185 x 97 mm.

Sold for US$16,575 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2022

Vintage Knitted 3 Piece Swimsuit Ensemble

Coordinating Lavender knits, one is a vest, 32″ L x 36″ W flat x 34″ H flat bikini bottoms 10″ L x 20″ W flat x 28″ H flat bikini top is adjustable, shoulder straps are 17″ L x side straps are 19″ L the knit portion of the bikini top is 15″ across and 8″ down the middle

Sold for US$75 at Annie Hodges Auctions in 2021

Vintage Silver/Lapis Gem Stones Belt.

Designed vintage knitted silver belt, the link highlight with one oval shape lapis, surrounded by lapis, turquoise, and coral like stone, the link carved with delicate motifs. Approximately 41.5*1.9inch

Sold for US$300 at Wealthier Art & Auction in 2021

Vintage Lurex wool knitted big shawl/toga with long fringes

Sold for US$65 at Jasper52 in 2021

Vintage 1940s Handmade Purple Knitted Shirt & Skirt Set. A shirt and skirt set in a lovely deep purple color from the 1930s or 40s. Hand made with a decorative knit pattern down the center and arms. Comes with a matching belt. Medium to large size, shirt measures 21 inches across. Skirt measures 35 inches in the waist and 27.5 inches in length.

Sold for US$20 at PUBLIC SALE AUCTION HOUSE in 2022

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Swimwear

pastimefashionsadmin — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 09:42:05 +0000

Swimwear has an interesting history. The swimming costume, or bathing suit, was first used in the mid 1800’s. Prior to that ladies would have worn long gowns which billowed out and there was a period when nothing was worn, especially with men where it was the standard way of bathing until it was banned.

Victorian bathing suits are rare but there are pictures and photographs which show the fashion. Many were made of woolen fabrics.

Originally, swimming costumes were made to cover the figure but as time went by bathing suits became less restrictive and clung more to the body.

Below are some examples and price guides of swimwear throughout the years including a Victorian swimming costume and some costumes from the 1940s.

A rare Victorian swimming costume with striped pattern.

Sold for £80 at Hannam’s Auctioneers Ltd in 2017

SILK AND COTTON BATHING SUIT AND OVERDRESS TWO-PIECE ENSEMBLE AND SHOES, black and cream colored, one-piece swimming or beach bathing suit having sleeveless, bloomer styled suit with V-neckline and stripped cuffs, bloused, wide gored seat expands at the hips, snaps and hook and eye closures, with overdress/coverup having wide striped collar and sleeves, snaps and bold mother-of-pearl button closures, original matching high-top bathing shoes having upper linen foundation, covered with matching black and cream colored striped fabric, soft soles with heavyweight woven cotton covering, original laces with steel tips and rivets. Circa 1900.

Sold for US$500 at Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates in 2018

THREE WOOL BATHING COSTUMES, ENGLAND, 1920s

1 navy knit w/ cream borders & applied soutache, unstretched B 33″, W 31″, L 32″, (holes to inseams & left H, minor discoloration, trim detaching) good; 1 teal w/ white & teal diamond motif on skirt, label “Meridian Interlock” & “British Make”, unstretched B 35″, W 30″, L 32″, (discoloration, 5″ light stain below left B, 2 repairs at W) good; 1 black w/ drop W skit in pale blue & white stripe, label “Meridian Interlock” & “British Make Pat No. 20409/08 Extended to 28.8.28″, unstretched B 29″, W 26″, L 34”, (skirt discolored) excellent.

Sold for US$550 at Augusta Auctions in 2022

1930’s red wool stretch knit swim suit with navy blue detail, over shoulder straps that tie in center of back, slight stain at gusset

Sold for US$80 at Denise Ryan Auctions in 2020

TIANA PITTELLE BATHING SUIT, HONOLULU, LATE 1940s

Printed cotton bathing suit c/o bandeau top & high waisted shorts w/ red cotton trim & halter necktie, shell embellished & kapok stuffed mermaid motif to shorts, label “Tiana Pittelle Fashion, Originator Waikiki, Honolulu”, bikini top B up to 54″, Wd1.75″-7″, shorts W 27″, L 14″, inseam 2.25″, (light wear to edges, bones beginning to wear through interior, 0.75″ partially repaired hole right front leg, 0.25″ hole inseam, few clusters of tiny spot stain) good.

Sold for US$325 at Augusta Auctions in 2022

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Citrine

pastimefashionsadmin — Sat, 13 Aug 2022 13:39:43 +0000

Citrine is a form of quartz which varies in color between yellow and brown. It was first appreciated as a golden-yellow gemstone in Greece between 300 and 150 BC, during the Hellenistic Age. The yellow quartz was used prior to that to decorate jewelry and tools but it was not highly sought after. Reference: Wikipedia

Below are some examples and price guides of vintage and antique citrine jewelry, including a 19th century demi-parure and a Georgian 14KT gold ring set with citrines and diamonds.

CITRINE NECKLACE AND EARRINGS DEMI-PARURE, 19TH CENTURY
The necklace composed of oval-cut citrines interspersed with floral and beaded spacers, the front of girandole design suspending pear-shaped citrine drops, the earrings of matching design, length 45.5cm, earrings 3.0cm, fitted case by Edward Nowell, Wells Somerset

Sold for £7,650 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2022

MOUNTED BY CARTIER CITRINE AND DIAMOND BRACELET

Shaped buff-top citrine, old cushion-shaped, circular and single-cut diamonds, circa 1940, signed MTD Cartier, numbered

Size/Dimensions: 16.2 cm
Gross Weight: 35.5 grams

Sold for GBP 15,120 at Christie’s in 2022

A Victorian citrine and diamond brooch/pendant

Sold for £300 at Cheffins in 2022

14K Georgian Enamel Citrine Diamond Ring W Pearls

14 KT yellow gold ring. 13.4 grams & 8.6 DWT. Yellow Citrine (6 x 6 mm) and 7 old rose cut diamonds (approx 0.3 ct total weight) 28 1/2 pearls at 3 mm. Blue enamel.Ring Size: 7 1/2 in.

Sold for US$1,300 at Sarasota Estate Auction in 2022

René Boivin

Pair of citrine and gold ear clips 1930s

Each of geometric design, set with calibré-cut citrines, unsigned, French assay mark for gold and maker’s mark.

Sold for 9,450 CHF at Sotheby’s in 2021

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Designer Bags

pastimefashionsadmin — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 14:48:22 +0000

Information and price guide to antique and vintage designer bags, including bags by Chanel, Hermes, Bulgari and Van Cleef & Arpels.

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17th Century Bags

pastimefashionsadmin — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 12:48:41 +0000

Many decorative early 17th century bags survive, but it is not entirely certain how they were used and worn. They are too delicate and elaborate to serve as receptacles for money carried on one’s person on a daily basis. Few commercial exchanges in the early 17th century required cash, and most household shopping was done by servants. However, they were used as a form of gift-wrapping for the presents of coin that were offered as a New Year’s gifts to the monarch. Reference: Victoria and Albert Museum

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Powder Compacts

pastimefashionsadmin — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 11:54:46 +0000

Powder Compacts. Below are some examples of powder compacts including a French 18 carat gold compact and a ruby compact decorated with birds by Boucheron

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Gold Compacts

pastimefashionsadmin — Sun, 08 Dec 2019 17:49:28 +0000

Gold compacts are some of the most desirable and collectible compacts. Designers such as Cartier and Tiffany & Co have made some exquisite gold compacts. Below are some examples of compacts made from gold including gem-set compacts.

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