Featured I'm a guy but I had to buy this beautiful vintage(?) Lillie Rubin Silk & Sequins Dress - any info?

I don't usually buy clothes when I'm searching through thrift stores unless it's a cool t-shirt, etc..but when I saw this coming out I took it right off the wheeled rack the lady was pushing towards the clothing section!

I know the name (I think my mom had some of her clothing) and when I saw that it's 100% silk with sequins I thought I'd scored. But then I saw the tag also says 'Made in China'?

What era is this from? Is it vintage or new?
What kind of dress is it? Should I list it as a cocktail dress? (it looks like something my hippie girlfriend (I was a hippie too!) would wear in the 70's when we were teenagers!)

Any information would be appreciated.
Thank you

 

I like how the sequins wrap around 1 side of the dress (for got to add that above!) - also here is close up of top; it seems pleated?

 

Fairly modern but gorgeous! Love the watercolor tie-dye effect.
Internet says all the Lillie Rubin stores were closed in 2006 or converted to Cache.

 

I use to shop in the Cache stores near me. They were small boutiques and sort of high end. From what I recall the quality of clothes was pretty nice.

I still have a dress here that I bought for my Father's birthday surprise party and wore just once from Cache. Haven't thought about that in years.

 

Lillie Rubin was a chain of high end women's clothing stores that closed in 1999. Given the Made in China label, I'd think the 1990s when the market was first flooded with Chinese imports. I'd call it a cocktail dress. Let's see what others think.

Debora

 

Thanks - I was sure I remember one of their stores that my mom went to in Miami Beach back in the 70's; maybe a close but different name.
1990's so I can say "Vintage Lille Rubin Tie Dye Silk & Hand Sewn Sequins Cocktail Dress" - right?

 

Don't see the value of "hand sewn." Whadabout the idea of "tiered?" And "beaded" instead of "sequins?" Needs "long" as cocktail usually means short. And maybe "evening" instead of "cocktail"? If it were mine, I'd probably do something like...

"Vintage LILLIE RUBIN Tie Die Floral BEADED SILK Long TIERED EVENING DRESS"

Let's see what ideas others have. Not sure the above does it justice.

Debora

 

The Lillie Rubin name lived on past 1999 until 2006:
US: Cache to close Lillie Rubin, launch Cache Luxe stores | Apparel Industry News | just-style (just-style.com)

 

I like Debora's title and would go with something along those lines.

The only thing I'd be sure to add is "size 12" to the title. It helps if shoppers can see the size in the title.

 

But put measurements in the description, women's sizing being as weird as it is. It's nonstandardized, one reason I have three different sizes of clothes in my closet. If not more.

 

Duh! Thank you so much, Lucille.b. The size, of course, needs to be included in title. Although important to include complete measurements in description. Other key words could be "fully lined," "ruffle," "v-neck front," "deeper v-back," "asymmetric hem," "hidden back zipper," "bodice with random beading," and "beaded floral motif that wraps from front to back."

Debora

 

@bluumz @journeymagazine -

Pretty dress!

You are completely right on! I worked at a Bridal Salon those years and we had scores of those similar style dresses come through. They were pretty, but what tricky stuff to alter or repair! DON'T get it wet! It will leave spots!

Most of the beads are "barely" attached. They usually only have a double pass through the first and last bead in the strand of sewn beads (rarely have a knot)... if there are loose ends, the beads get knocked off quickly. Easy enough to repair if caught quickly.

The term for the hem is "high-low"... and usually these were sold (in our area) as prom dresses.

The skirt is bias cut; so it seems a bit stretchy; but it doesn't hang right on someone who is a real "hippy" 12.

If the top "isn't" stretchy; along with stating that the tag says it is a 12. I would take a side seam to side seam measurement at the back from under arm to under arm and state what that measurement is... and do the same thing from side seam to side seam at the waist at the back and also state that measurement... ie:
Measurement from side seam to side seam - back at under arm is:
Measurement from side seam to side seam - back at waist is:

I would do the same thing if there is a non stretchy lining - at the hip measurement which is typically 8" below the waist line:
Measurement from side seam to side seam - back at hip (8" below waist) is:
If that fabric is stretchy; don't bother.

Good luck!
Cheerio Leslie

 

Wonderful information, Leslie! Thank you so much for adding to my feeble efforts.

Debora

 

@journeymagazine Wonderful information, Leslie! Thank you so much for adding to my feeble efforts.

My pleasure... please feel free to ask any other questions you may have! Leslie

 

Thank you all; great information (especially since a guy can understand it!)

 

Late 90s indeed and fab. Had stuff like that.

I used to shop in the Cache store in the Glendale Galleria. Lovely clothes, still got some.

Cruise wear is a term.

 

First dibs have several of dresses made by this manufacturer. Perhaps you can find some wording for your dress here.dresshttps://www.google.com/amp/s/www.1stdibs.com/amp/creators/lillie-rubin/fashion/