Condition:
Good used vintage condition. There is a small hole at the waist of the skirt, not noticeable when worn. Light signs of age and wear may be present, consistent with a delicate 1970s silk resort set.
Key Features:
- Material: 100% pure silk
- Colour: Multicolour geometric print
- Design:
- Lightweight strappy silk top
- Matching gathered silk skirt
- Soft resortwear silhouette
- Bold late 1970s geometric pattern
- Made in British Crown Colony Hong Kong
- Style: Late 1970s American designer sportswear / silk resortwear
- Brand: Bill Haire for Friedricks Sport
Background of the Brand/Fabric/Style/Era:
This 1970s silk resort set was designed by Bill Haire for Friedricks Sport, a New York designer sportswear label associated with elevated American ready-to-wear. In 1970s American fashion, “sportswear” did not mean athletic clothing, but elegant, easy-to-wear separates for travel, leisure, resort dressing and polished social occasions. Bill Haire worked with Friedricks Sport before launching his own label in 1981, later gaining fashion-industry recognition. This 1970s silk resort set captures that refined leisure mood through its lightweight pure silk fabric, relaxed two-piece shape and graphic print.
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, Doreen’s wardrobe reflects a century of fashion, travel and cultural elegance. This 1970s silk resort set beautifully suits that story — refined, travel-ready and socially polished.
Size Information:
- Garment Measurements:
- Top: Chest: 90 cm | Strap total length: 14 cm | Length without strap: 41 cm
- Skirt: Waist: 74 cm | Length: 64.5 cm
- Modern Sizing Equivalent:
- Best fits approximately UK 8–10, depending on desired fit
- Model Reference: Model is 167 cm (5’6″) and typically wears UK size 8.
Please note: Estimated modern size is for reference only. Customers should refer to the exact measurements provided above to ensure the best fit.
Materials:
100% pure silk
Care Instructions:
Dry clean recommended. Do not bleach. Do not tumble dry. Steam or iron on low heat from the reverse side with care.
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 on orders under £100, free over £100.
Customs & import taxes: International customers are responsible for any applicable customs fees, import duties or taxes. Please read our
Shipping Policy before placing your order.
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Want to see more from Doreen’s Wardrobe? Browse here or explore our vintage sets.
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