Happy Birthday, Mr. President

In May of 1962, Marilyn Monroe made a splash when she sang "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" to John F. Kennedy at his birthday celebration in Madison Square Garden. Ms. Monroe wore a skin tight flesh colored dress by Jean Louis which was covered with 2500 sparkling rhinestones and beads. That dress sold at Christie's Auction House in 1999 for $1,150,000.

This 1960's beaded dress captures the essence of Marilyn's sultry evening gown. Fashioned from pink silk, it is covered with silver beads and irridescent sequins. This is a true wiggle dress, as the width of the hem is much narrower than the width of the hips.

And from the same estate, another 1960's dazzling evening gown in chartreuse green crepe, covered in silver beads and sequins. Have some fun the next time you sing "Happy Birthday" to that special someone!

See these dresses and more at Couture Allure Vintage Fashion .

Rare 1920's labels

In all the years I've been selling vintage clothing, I have only had three dresses from the 1920's with labels in them, and two of those dresses just went up for sale today in my EBay store . The first is a stunning beaded dress dating to about 1921 by Lucy Perret, Paris. I can't find any information about Miss Lucy anywhere, but I would imagine she was a small custom dressmaker, as the dress is completely sewn by hand and has exquisite detailing.

The second is another outstanding beaded dress by Adair, Paris dating to about 1924. The House of Adair made beaded dresses in France for export to the Unites States, United Kingdom and Canada. This dress is also completely sewn by hand.

Finally today, we have a gorgeous 1920's black silk and ermine fur coat with a label from Porteous, Mitchell, and Braun, the finest department store in downtown Portland, Maine.

See these items and more at Couture Allure Vintage Fashion .