This set is not 100% perfect but it is radical in design and a very rare example of the work of Marion Foale and Sally Tuffin. This is really a collectors piece even though it is wearable. The designing duo were two young women determined to launch a label without having to have a male name on the masthead. The were known for their tailoring, lean cuts and outerwear. In 1962 Vogue featured one of their pieces and they audience expanded outside of London. Their work was featured regularly in the 'Young Ideas' section in British Vogue. The label shuttered in 1972 and pieces from the label are a very rare find.
This was a key label from the British Fashion movement and this is a rare example of their work from right before they stopped producing this label. I have included a photo of this same outfit from a British Vogue editorial on their work from the September 1971 issue. In that issue these sets were described as 'Pajama' sets meant to be worn outdoors. The first thing that strikes you about this is the feeling that it was made by hand. You can imagine the young pair of designers making this themselves in their studio. The pants have a flat front and zipper and are cut straight and wide all the way down to the hem. The top slips over the head. It is cut straight down through the body and the sleeves are the same. A large front pocket sits across the entire front and each side is notched. There is a small slit opening at the neck and it is set offside. The fabric is a padded red and off-white check that is top stitched into big quilted diamonds. The fabric gives it a certain structure so that it sits on the body in a very straight and angular way yet the fabric itself is still soft and pliable. Presents as great condition but please review the notes below.
Both pieces are unlined. The top slips on the wear and the pants have a front zipper. The fabric has a slight feeling of grubbiness overall and some of the quilting top-stitching has come off here and there. There is a discoloration at the seat of the pants. A tiny bit near the arms. A small notch of the fabric is missing near the waist band. Please see the photos after the label shot.
Top
Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: "
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 26.5" from neck to hem
Pants
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 39" from waist to hem
Inseam: 30"
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML
Item# DD3524
Reference Photos: British Vogue, Sept 15 1971
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
