Condition:
Good used vintage condition. Some gentle age-related wear to the knit and appliqué. Small area of wear / weakness near one shoulder seam as photographed. Floral trims and bead details remain decorative and wearable.
Key Features:
- Material: Mixed fibre knit with decorative floral appliqué
- Colour: Soft cream / ivory tone
- Design:
- Matching knitted top and skirt set
- Open-knit texture with romantic 1980s silhouette
- Puff sleeves with floral appliqué and bead details
- Pull-on fluted skirt with elasticated waistband
- Made in France
- Style: Romantic 1980s occasionwear / alternative bridal vintage
- Brand: BAAB / baab, likely French boutique vintage
Background of the Brand/Fabric/Style/Era:
This 1980s French knit set carries the romantic, decorative spirit of mid–late 1980s occasion dressing. The puff sleeves, cream open-knit texture, floral appliqué and subtle beadwork reflect the era’s love for soft statement pieces, especially for parties, evening events and bridal-adjacent styling.
The label appears to read BAAB / baab, likely an obscure French boutique or ready-to-wear knitwear label rather than a widely documented designer house. It should not be described as luxury or couture, but the French manufacture, matching two-piece construction and decorative sleeve work make this 1980s French knit set more special than ordinary mass-market vintage knitwear.
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:
- Top: Sleeve length: 41 cm | Top length: 62 cm | Chest: 98 cm
- Skirt: Waist: 68–92 cm with elastic band | Skirt length: 70 cm
- Modern Sizing Equivalent:
- Estimated best fit: UK 8–12, depending on desired fit
- US: 4–8
- EU: 36–40
- 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:
Fabric label is partly faded / obscured. It appears to list a mixed fibre composition including synthetic and semi-synthetic fibres, with polyamide, rayon/viscose, acetate, linen and other fibres visible. This 1980s French knit set is made in France.
Care Instructions:
Dry clean recommended due to the appliqué, beading and delicate knit. Alternatively, very gentle cold hand wash at buyer’s own risk. Do not bleach. Do not tumble dry. Dry flat. Use low heat only if needed, avoiding the appliqué and beadwork.
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.
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Want to see more from Doreen’s Wardrobe? Browse here or explore more vintage sets.
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