Don Loper | 1950s Two Ensembles & Two Jackets

Don Loper group of ready to wear including two ensembles and two jackets circa 1950s, owned by Silvia Fine Kaye, an lyricist, composer, and producer, married to comedian Danny Kaye. Silvia's work was often performed by her husband.

Two-piece ensemble consisting of a cropped dupioni silk fabric black jacket and a black satin pencil skirt. The jacket features three-quarter-length sleeves with turned cuffs, a dramatic oversized shawl collar that crosses at the front, decorative covered buttons, and a pointed cropped hem that accentuates the waist. The black high-waisted knee-length pencil skirt has a side hidden zipper.Two-piece ensemble consisting of a dress with a black cropped jacket. Sleeveless fit-and-flare dress featuring a black fitted dupioni silk fabric bodice with a scoop neckline and wide shoulder straps. The waist is accented with an intricate silk organza black floral appliqué trim. The full skirt has softly structured pleats. The back of the dress has a center zipper. The black satin and wool cropped jacket has notched lapels, three-quarter-length sleeves, and an overlapping front secured with fabric-covered buttons. A red hip-length cool cape featuring a pointed shirt collar and a straight, structured silhouette. The front is detailed with three ornate black frog closures. Long sleeves with subtly flared cuffs, while vertical princess seams provide shaping through the body. A dupioni silk fabric red cropped jacket featuring a wide portrait collar that wraps around the neckline and fastens with a decorative fabric-covered button at the shoulder. The front is finished with a concealed button placket accented by matching fabric-covered buttons. Three-quarter-length sleeves with turned-back cuffs and tailored seams complete the evening jacket.Don Loper was a Hollywood costume designer whose work helped define the glamour of the 1950s. He began his career as a dancer and appeared alongside Ginger Rogers in the 1944 film Lady in the Dark. He designed custom gowns for stars including Audrey Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich, and Lana Turner. Loper favored elegant, body-flattering silhouettes in luxurious fabrics, rejecting the loose sack dress trend popular at the time. Measurements: Red cropped jacket: chest: 38 inches (underarm to underarm)Wool red cape: length: 27 inchesBlack jacket and skirt: Jacket: Chest: 38 inches (underarm to underarm). Skirt: Waist: 26 inchesDress and jacket: Dress: Chest: 34 inches (underarm to underarm, waist: 26 inches, hips are open. Jacket: chest 40 inches (underarm to underarm)

A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit The Danny Kaye & Sylvia Fine Kaye Foundation.

Condition
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