Vintage 1940s 1950s tailored high quality wool worsted and velvet jacket Selby New Zealand couture Saltaire wool Swing Rockabilly
Gorgeous tailored jacket in fine worsted wool from UNESCO world heritage site Saltaire mills, which once boasted the largest room on Earth at their woolen mills, now closed sadly but the heritage is recognized. So threw me for a while as I couldn't track down the Selby label name, then found out it was a high end New Zealand garment producer. So Britain used to export fine wool textiles to sheep nation New Zealand! Noth labels are present.
There are elements of 1940s and 1950s in the style of the jacket but the label appears to be an older one so no later than early 1950s. She has the shoulder structure of the 1940s for sure, but Dior's New Look didn't change all styles as much as we may think with hindsight. It looks great with A line 40s skirt with 50s pencil or circle skirt too so versatile. Prob could be worn with formal black 40s style flared pants too or of course a dress.
It is a size UK 8 or would also be fine for a 6. No bigger though as this is very close tailored. DM me for sizes because I tend not to give them up front as people don't know where to measure on garments such as this so I will need YOUR sizes unless you are a standard 6 to 8. If you are this is a very very elegant piece.
It is trimmed with black velvet collar and lapels, and pockets which have braided edge such that they stand proud a lovely design feature.
I had great help from the Christchurch as it was Facebook group on finding out about this jacket and found folk who had nice pieces 1930s to early 1970s, and even several who were related to the amazing Selby model, PR, travelling salesperson, brand ambassador and bookeeper and later even designer, designer, Lorna Cooper! And others who had relatives that had worked there. Christchurch is a special place with special people who value their heritage largely due to the devastating earthquake which wiped out much of its physicality . I was humbled by their response and stories brought a tear to my eye You really don;t know what you;ve got until it's gone and same can be said for the folks of Saltaire in UK; to have lost that powerhouse of our wool industry...and for WHAT imported mass produced polyester? So sad and we must support what is left of our textiles industries and fashion especially wool etc. And when you see how durable it is that this was made to last and has.. it's evident why.
Incredible to think this jacket possible saw future 1952 Melbourne Cup winner the mighty Dalray one of NZ greatest ever racehorses, win the New Zealand Derby when it was held at Riccarton Christchurch. That kind of realization sends shivers of delight down my spine when I touch it, if only these garments could speak as to what they have seen, where they were worn, who held them in their arms.... she's been treasured but well loved and has a few minor flaws.
See there is a slight red mark on the front where oxidization has taken place but barely noticeable. And there appear to be two buttons missing the top and the bottom. But it is wearable without as you'd need to be a UK 6 otherwise and I don't really want to replace the buttons with modern ones. So she's sold as seen on this score. But otherwise she'd be MUCH higher a price and it wouldn't stop me wearing and I have a couple times! . I was SO tempted to put a sparkling 40s or 50s brooch on that lovely velvet but didn't as I didn't want to mark it but the person who buys could.
So my song for the spirit of the garment and age, is Sing, Sing Sing (with a Swing) as we have uncertain date but between wartime and 1952 I'd say, so that year the Andrews Sisters covered the Louis Prima and His New Orleans Gang 1936 song, on the album of the same name.
Reason being I think the songs of Selby and Saltaire need to be sung.....loudly!
When the music goes around
Everybody goes to town
But here's something you should know
Ha ha baby, ho ho ho[Chorus]
Sing, sing, sing, sing
Everybody start to sing
Ooh ooh, waah ooh
Now you're singin' with a swing
Swing, swing, swing, swing
Listen to the trumpet swing
Blow, blow, blow, blow
Listen to the trombones go
Whenever she was made and first worn, she'd have danced to that in one version or another for a certainty. She knows how ....let her take you ! Everybody should know the story of Selby and Saltaire sing it! You can read more about them in the video you can pause it to view & read the panels which I don't just recommend I demand it if you are to purchase this gem as you should also have appreciation of it's story and times! I only want to sell to those who appreciate their role as custodians of these beautiful garments!
So the life and times of this jacket are not over yet....will you give her more? Or, actually she is likely to give you some!