Vintage clothing from or inspired by,
the Old World and Other Lands

People have been creating beautiful textiles and garments for hundreds if not thousands of years. Each culture has it's own rich textile history, traditions and styles. It is not new that different cultures would share and adopt from each other. From the beginning of time our ancestors eagerly traded skills and goods.
In the last hundred years or so this "borrowing" has greatly escalated due to the explosion in world travel and communications technology. On this page I offer 20th century vintage clothing which has either been influenced by or is from cultures different than mainstream American. I choose them because I find them beautiful, wearable and unique. I also try to choose clothing that can be worn without showing disrespect to the culture it came from. Nothing that would be considered sacred or used for religious ceremony for example. Imitation may be the highest form of flattery but it should also honor it's source.
My knowledge may be limited with these textiles but I will do my best to provide what information I can.

#2054 Click to see enlarged views

1950s Island Print shirtwaist dress. Cool cotton with Pacific Island theme print in shades of browns and golds. The graphics are rich and wonderful with a handprinted feel. A sleeveless fitted shirtwaist with full pleated skirt and matching fabric belt. There is no label left. A wicker bag, straw bonnet and leather sandals would complete the look...for shopping at the marketplace or lunching at an outdoor café or just picnicking under blue skies and golden sun. Quite Small in size it will fit around a modern 2-4. It has the following measurements Bust 34''... Waist 24''.... Hips free size... Excellent Condition $85.00

#1636 Click to see enlarged views

Stunning 1970s Hawaiian print dress by Malihini Hawaii. Self belted Empire waist....sleeveless bodice with square neckline. Center front inverted pleat in long narrow skirt. The print is exceptionally beautiful. Oversized hibiscus blossoms in luminous shades of oranges, yellows and browns. The fabric is cotton "bark cloth". As a full length dress it is quite dramatic and would make a bold statement. Not so brave? The dress could easily be shortened for more versatility. Use the extra fabric to make a matching bag! The size is Medium around a todays size 8. Bust 36' Rib Cage below bust 31' Hips and waist free size... Excellent Condition $75.00

#5121 click to enlarge and see other views	Breathtaking hand printed cotton tunic dress from the 1960s. I believe it is Eastern in origin but the more I researched the more confused I became. I could not find a clear example that matched well enough for me to identify the country of origin. It has a stand up choker collar and narrow tunic cut. There are deep vents on the sides to the knee and a metal zipper in back. The sleeves are long and bell at the bottom. There is a size label (S for small) but no other. The sewing is very basic sort of home made looking. However the fabric is gorgeous. It is obviously hand printed I believe by a block print method. The colors are rich and beautiful. The more colors used in a block print the more costly because of the time involved. Typically there are two or three but this has five printed colors as well as the natural cream color of the cotton muslin. Six colors in all! There is a circle motif which recurs throughout. This would be beautiful belted over narrow trousers or jeans. Or just wear it to lounge in at home. The measurements are those of a medium garment for a woman and small for a man. there are no bust darts so either sex can wear it. Chest 38" Hip 42" Sleeves 22" Length from shoulder to hem 52" Excellent Condition $85.00
#5122 click to enlarge and see other views	1960s-70s Exquisite hand embroidered long tunic dress. I believe this comes from Mexico though the embroidery seems more delicate than the "for trade" Mexican dresses I have come across. Similar embroidery can be found on garments from the Baltic countries but the dress style is Mexican. The material is smooth black cotton (possibly a blend) cut with wide short sleeves and a gathered yoke neckline. The body of the dress is loose and there are two side vents to the knee for ease of movement. The colorful embroidery is beautiful... all hand done. There is no label, judging by the careful finish work inside and the extra fine needlework I would say it was custom made. It would look wonderful with a wide decorative belt. Not a lot of fitted areas so the size is flexible. Bust up to 42" Hip up to 48" Length from shoulder to hem 53" Excellent Condition $65.00
#5123 click to enlarge and see other views	1940s-50s hand embroidered wool vest from Mexico. Antique ivory, wool... hand embroidered with burnt orange rayon satin thread. Simple one piece cut (no side seams) with small collar and patch pockets. The edges of the garment are folded over and finished blanket style with a hand done cross stitch. Open in front. It does look vintage but there are no moth holes or stains. Created at a time when western wear was all the rage. Can be worn by a man or a woman. Looks quite chic with a wide belt. Preferably hand tooled with a fabulous buckle! Small mens size Medium Womens size Chest 38" Excellent Condition $75.00
#5124 click to enlarge and see other views	Unique Vintage 70s Chinese Jacket. The fabric is a beautiful olive brocade with chrysanthemum motif. It is fully lined with bright contrasting orange faux lamb. The closures are traditional frog toggles but there are also hidden hooks and eyes. High neck, side vents (also with frog closures) and wide welt pockets. There is a label in one of the pockets Peony brand, Shanghai China. Cozy enough to be worn as winter wear. Handsome and eye-catching! Medium / Small in size with the following measurements. Bust up to 38" Hips up to 38" Sleeves 21" Excellent Condition $95.00
#5125 click to enlarge and see other views	Beautiful satin tunic robe with all over machine embroidery. 1960s India. Heavy turquoise satin with pale gold (not metallic) floral embroidery. Trimmed on all edges with matching braid and embellished with dozens of loop and ball closures on the sleeves, down the front and at the side vents Lined in silk habotai. There is a metal zipper down the back so you can leave the buttons done and get in and out easily. This is great because it would take forever to button and unbutton each time it was worn! It shows slight wear but is in very good condition. On the outside there are no tears or stains.. The lining is intact and also in great condition with just a couple small marks, maybe from make up. This would make a beautiful Holiday outfit unbuttoned to above the knee, with an ornate belt and gorgeous shoes. The size is a generous Medium with the following measurements. Bust up to 40" Hip up to 44" Length from shoulder to hem 52" Very Good Condition $95.00
#5127 click to enlarge and see other views	Striking Indonesian Batik print tunic dress. Java batik print in rich shades of brown, indigo blue and cream. I believe this is a roller printed fabric imitating the painstaking hand work of traditional batik work. The print is far too uniform to be hand done but it is very beautiful none the less. Pure cotton long tunic with side vents... wide fold up sleeves... mandarin style collar. It has a border print fabric sash and knotted ball buttons. There was label but it has been cut out. This would be beautiful belted over narrow trousers or jeans. Or just wear it to lounge in at home. The measurements will fit up to medium for a man and large for a woman. There are no bust darts so either sex can wear it. Chest 48" Hip 50" Length from shoulder to hem 56" Excellent Condition $65.00 There is a tremendous history behind these gorgeous hand printed fabrics. It is fascinating and worth exploring. Just do a search using words like Java + Batik. One of my favorite sites is at this link Batik, traditional fabric of Indonesia
#5128 click to enlarge and see other views	Handsome 1970s vintage Kimono from Japan. Traditionally this is a married womans kimono (short, open bottom sleeves). It would have been used for everyday wear with an Obi sash. The fabric is simple and beautiful. It feels like a cotton blend and has a subtle diamond jaquard weave using gray red and pink threads. It is unlined except for the inner collar (Okumi) which is snow white cotton.. Would make a beautiful robe for home. Or for the more adventurous fashionista a lightweight coat. Belt it with a wide leather belt. It is in wonderful condition with just slight discoloration inside at the neck area. This cannot be seen when worn. Made to fit all many sizes. Length from shoulder to hem 61" Excellent Condition $75.00 The kimono has a very rich and interesting history. It is fascinating and worth exploring. Just do a search using words like Kimono + History.
#5129 click to enlarge and see other views	Vintage Mexican embroidered wool felt jacket. These whimsical garments were a popular novelty in the 1950s when there was a craze for all things Western. They were purchased as souvenirs and came in many colors and motifs. This one is a brilliant turquoise blue (much richer than my photo) The appliques and embroidery depict daily life. A burrow with side packs, a woman with her wares in a boat, dwellings, flowers and trees. The front pockets have lucky red horse shoe symbols. The appliques are wool felt over embroidered with colorful yarns and occasional sequins. Simple one piece body (no side seams) with, set in sleeves, small collar and patch pockets. It is not lined and the edges of the garment are folded over and hand finished blanket style with a cross stitch. Open in front. The condition is better than I usually see with these jackets. It does look vintage but there are no moth holes or stains. A couple of the embroidery stitches are loose but that is very common and does not detract. A wonderful vintage fall or spring jacket. Will fit up to a generous medium but looks well on a smaller frame too. Bust up to 40" Hips up to 40" Sleeves (long) 23 1/2" Excellent Condition $125.00
#2047 click to enlarge and see other views	-60s hand embroidered cardigan from Norway. Rib knit Ivory wool, waist length sweater with bracelet length sleeves (a little longer than 3/4 but not quite full length). The front has beautiful traditional hand embroidered flowers and twining vines. It buttons to the neck with cast pewter buttons. Genuine vintage Norwegian sweaters are a treasure and have inspired many a designer to create their own versions. Some of the copies are lovely but I prefer the real thing. The label reads Handknitted In Norway 100% Virgin Norwegian Wool, Moth Proof Husfliden, Bergen. It is a Med/Small size with the following measurements before stretch. Bust 40" Waist 32" Sleeves 20" Excellent Condition $85.00

#1623 Click to enlarge

Breathtaking bark cloth Hawaiian dress from the 1960s. I see lots of Hawaiian printed dresses but this one is the most beautiful I have seen in a while. I love this earth tone print against the black background. I also love the way the pattern is placed to one side instead of in the center. This is so much more interesting to the eye. The cut is simple and elegant long column with a sleeveless scoop necked bodice with elasticized empire waist line. The waist has a delicate cord in olive which ties just under the bust. The inside of the bodice is faced with this same olive green. The back of the skirt is vented to the knee for ease of movement. There are two labels in this dress one reads Made in Hawaii the other has the RN number size style and reads 100% cotton. The company on record with this RN # is Stardust Inc.The dress should fit a modern size 8-10 and has the following measurements. Bust 36" Hips 42" (the waist stretches) the length of the dress from shoulder to hem is 53". Excellent Condition $165.00

#5090 Click to enlarge	Beautifully tailored pinstripe, Chinese wool pant suit by Plum Blossom. This woman's suit was purchased in the 1970s. The jacket has a narrow cut with mandarin style collar and satin "frog" closures down the front. It is lined in sage green satin. The side seams of the jacket have vents for ease of movement. There are two welt pockets. The edges of the jacket have delicate satin trim which matches the fabric of the frogs. The trousers are flat front with straight legs. They zipper on the side with a metal zipper. The fabric is a superb wool suiting in loden green with a faint yellow pinstripe. The tailoring is impeccable. The size says medium but it is a small medium with the following measurements. Jacket Chest 36" Neck 14 1/2" around lower neck Sleeve 21 1/2" long Shoulder seam - shoulder seam 15" across Trousers Waist 27" Inseam 27" ( 2 1/2" hem) Excellent Condition $125.00
#5087 Click to enlarge	Stunning 1960s Thai inspired gown. The design uses three coordinating fabrics. For the bodice we have a pink and metallic ground with deep pink embroidered dots. The bodice is fitted empire with Nehru style collar and long sleeves with puffed cap. The skirt is fitted and narrow, made from a matching fabric which alternates embroidered fan shapes against the same metallic pink ground. Two bands of pink satin open work, trim are applied just under the bust and well below the hip line. The hem of the skirt is defined by an 11" band of open work material, which consists of rows of satin embroidered dots. The entire dress is lined in hot pink silk. It zips down the back with a metal zipper. There is no label and I am judging by all the beautiful hand finishing it was tailor made. The size is a combination of very small bust and shoulders and med. small waist and hips. It has the following measurements. Bust 33" Shoulder seam - Shoulder seam 13" across Waist 27" Hips 37" Sleeves 22" Excellent Condition $90.00
#5086 Click to enlarge	Heavy quilted satin Chinese style robe. I am not sure of the era but judging by the padded shoulders and fitted waist I am going to guess the 1940s although it could be the 1970s. I believe this was made for American souvenir trade, there is no label so it is hard to tell. The fabric is a rich royal blue satin which has been embroidered all over with chain stitched flowers and swirling lines. The pockets and the edges of the oversized lapels are trimmed with little flat pleated ruffles. The robe is interlined with batting material and lined with thin white satin. It closes at the waist with a loop and decorative brass button and can also be tied securely on the inside. The robe is in wonderful condition the only possible flaw is that there are minor signs of strain at some seams in the lining fabric. I am not sure what caused this because I don't even think the robe was worn. This is inside the garment and does not interfere with it's beauty or wearability. Certainly an exotic cozy robe but perhaps for the more adventurous spirit a striking coat. The size is a Generous Medium with the following measurements. Bust 40" Waist 36" Shoulder seam to Shoulder seam 17" Depending on your height it should come to between mid calf and ankle length Very Good Condition $125.00
#4067 Click to enlarge and to see back	Absolutely adorable 1960s two piece skirt and vest set from Austria. Created from ivory wool flannel the set consists of a tailored vest trimmed with loden green piping and embroidered acorn motif. It has a mandarin style collar.The vest is meant to be worn open and the pewter buttons are purely decorative. The skirt is cut A-line with a front V yoke. The yoke is top stitched with loden thread and sports a double row of pewter buttons. The front gores of the skirt and the yoke are defined by loden green piping. Both pieces has a hand set lining in ivory silk taffeta. The designers label inside reads Max Hurni made in Austria. I can picture many tops which would work well with this. Wear it with any number of different style blouses or sweaters. And might I suggest dress boots for the perfect finish. The size is small with the following measurements Bust 34"-36", length of vest in back from neck to hem 18", Waist 26" , length of skirt 27" Excellent Condition $165.00