Rare vintage Jean Muir London black viscose halterneck maxi dress with an extraordinary abstract clown motif printed across the front in shades of red, green and ivory. A wonderfully unconventional Jean Muir design that feels both playful and graphic, while still retaining the elegance and fluidity that made her work so distinctive.
The construction of this piece is particularly special. Rather than being a traditional one-piece dress, it is formed from two separate elements: an apron-style halterneck dress which ties at the back, layered with a coordinating half skirt which buttons at the side to create the full column silhouette. It gives the piece movement, flexibility and an architectural quality that Jean Muir was so celebrated for.
The clown motif itself feels almost hand-drawn, sitting against the black viscose ground with beautiful contrast piping in deep red and green tones which echo the colours within the print. Even the stitching around the hemline and neckline has been carefully considered, showcasing Muir’s obsessive attention to detail and her ability to elevate even minimalist jersey pieces into wearable works of art.
The open back and fluid cut make this feel surprisingly modern despite its era. It would look incredible styled simply with flat leather sandals in summer, or layered with a fitted leather jacket and jewellery for evening.
A genuinely rare and unusual Jean Muir London piece that captures the designer’s more artistic and experimental side.
Details
- Vintage Jean Muir London
- Black viscose jersey
- Abstract clown motif print to front
- Halterneck neckline
- Open back with tie fastening
- Two-piece construction
- Separate side-button fastening half skirt
- Red and green contrast piping details
- Fluid maxi length silhouette
- Made in England
- Labelled UK 12
- Best suited to a UK 8-10
- Shot on a UK10 mannequin
- Excellent vintage condition
