Late 1950s Lord & Taylor Velvet Jacket

Condition:
Very good vintage condition. Velvet shows minor age-appropriate wear. Trim, lining and construction remain clean and intact. No major flaws.

Key Features:

• Material: Feels like silk–rayon velvet
• Colour: Black
• Design:
  • Cropped length
  • Woven braided trim
  • Open-front silhouette
  • Fully lined interior
• Style: Late 1950s–early 1960s evening / cocktail wear
• Brand: Lord & Taylor Fifth Avenue
• Provenance: From the wardrobe of Doreen Willis Bailey

Background of the Brand/Fabric/Style/Era:
Lord & Taylor is one of America’s oldest luxury department stores, known through the mid-20th century for refined ready-to-wear and its premium private-label collections. This jacket comes from their “Sports & Country Clothes” line (late 1950s–early 1960s), reflecting the era’s minimalist, softly structured cocktail dressing. Velvet shells and clean cropped silhouettes were hallmarks of elegant mid-century evening wear.

Provenance – Doreen Willis Bailey:
This piece comes from the wardrobe of Doreen Willis Bailey, a Canadian-born TWA hostess in the 1940s–50s who later worked with the American government to promote international travel in the UK. Renowned for her cosmopolitan lifestyle and impeccable taste, she met and served many influential figures, including JFK. Now celebrating her 100th birthday, Doreen stands as a living link to a century of fashion, travel, and cultural elegance — her collection offers an intimate glimpse into the wardrobe of a truly remarkable woman.

Size Information:

• Garment Measurements:
  • Length: 45 cm
  • Sleeves: 60 cm
  • Chest: 100 cm
  • Waist: 70 cm
• Modern Sizing Equivalent:
  • UK: 6–8
  • US: 2–4
  • EU: 34–36
• Model Reference: Model is 160 cm and typically wears UK size 6–8.

Please note: Estimated modern size is for reference only. Customers should refer to measurements for best fit.

Materials:
Shell: Feels like silk–rayon velvet
Lining: Feels like acetate blend
(as typical for late 1950s–1960s garments)

Care Instructions:
Professional dry clean only. Do not bleach. Do not wash. Do not tumble dry.

Visit Us or Shop Online

Order online with worldwide delivery, or visit us in-store at Gong Nong Bing Vintage,

68 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0BB, to try on and collect your items (£1 admin fee applies).

UK delivery: £4 on orders under £100, free over £100.

International delivery: Calculated at checkout

Explore More
Want to see more from Doreen’s Wardrobe? Browse here or explore our vintage sets.