ARTISANAL VINTAGE FABRICS

Reimagined for Modern Wear

Delphia marries an appreciation for art with the history of textiles and garment-making.

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Featured

Reversible Blazer - 1940s Satin and Wool

$1,928.00

Emerald shines vibrantly in the form of this exquisite blazer made from WWII era wool/satin. Bright rayon satin and wool are woven back-to-back on this historic Skinner cloth to shape this reversible slimming blazer. Finished seams on the wool side ensure casual elegance when flipping this blazer around, and turning back cuffs either direction subtly nods to the versatility. Italian buttons fasten from both sides. The ideal day to night, casual to fancy piece that’s made to make you feel like a million and be cherished for a lifetime.

Fabric

1946s Skinner (brand) fabric, wool on one side and rayon satin on the other. This fabric was called “Sunbak” and made in Holyoke, Massachusetts by William Skinner and Sons. It was primarily used at the time for reversible robes and linings for jackets. A piece of this exact fabric is in the permanent collection of the National Museum of American History.

Skinner satins were nationally famous and this mill was innovative. They were one of the first mills to directly market to consumers. During the 1920s and 30s the brand was popularized with its usage in Hollywood, with silk gowns made from its satins adorned by such stars as Joan Crawford and Bette Davis on the silver screen. The company would also work extensively with the US Armed Forces during WWII, developing improved silk and other textile parachutes. William Skinner and Sons were regularly featured in the MoMa exhibitions (such as “Textiles U.S.A.”) throughout the 40s and 50s.

At the time this fabric was manufactured, the mill was still owned by the family of founder William Skinner, who emigrated from England to Massachusetts in 1843 and ran the company until his death in 1902. The company remained in operation in Holyoke until 1961, when Skinner’s heirs sold it to Indian Head Mills, which immediately closed the Holyoke operation.

Buttons

1960s Italian bakelite dyed green buttons.

Sizing Details

This blazer is a Medium, which means it is designed to accommodate U.S. sizes 2 through 8. View our detailed size chart and int'l sizes here.

Reversible Blazer - 1940s British Linen + American Florals

$1,928.00

Rich pink tonal flowers call attention to the feminine structure of this classic blazer. This reversible piece was designed to play on contrasts: masculine and feminine, neutral and colored, tailored and soft. Works for day and night. For a sartorial touch, fold the cuffs to nod to the duality of the fabrics, then pair with everything from skirts to dresses to trousers.

Fabric

1920s American pink cotton fabric with a floral border, from a well-known collector, paired with 1940s smooth, medium-weight linen made in London, England under the label 'Royal London', with the original maker's mark still visible in red on the bottom left hand corner of the blazer,

Buttons

1960s American faux-leather plastic buttons -- they are well made and really look like leather! Purchased from a collector in Houston, Texas.

Sizing Details

This blazer is a Medium, which means it is designed to accommodate U.S. sizes 2 through 8. View our detailed size chart and int'l sizes here. The measurements of this specific garment accommodate a bust of up to 36", a waist of up to 34.5" and a hip of up to 41" (note: a long vent in the back of the blazer makes the hip measurement expandable). It is 27.5" long.

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Reversible Blazer - 1900s Hope Chest Cotton

$1,928.00

Playful, boyish stripes on one side and classic ecru on the other, the striking green buttons help lend a formal effect to this structured, classic blazer. This reversible piece was designed to play on contrasts: masculine and feminine, neutral and colored, tailored and soft. Works for day and night. For a sartorial touch, fold the cuffs to nod to the duality of the fabrics, then pair with everything from skirts to dresses to trousers.

Fabric

1900s American cotton shirting fabric, purchased from a woman in the Sierras in Northern California whose Great Aunt stored this fabric in her hope chest to turn into clothing for her ranching family. Paired with ecru antique linen hemp fabric from Eastern Europe (likely Hungary), handwoven in the 1930s.

Buttons

1950s American dark green glass (very sturdy) buttons with a 'manticore' etching in gold. A 'manticore' is a Greek mythological lion.

Sizing Details

This blazer is a Medium, which means it is designed to accommodate U.S. sizes 2 through 8. View our detailed size chart and int'l sizes here. The measurements of this specific garment accommodate a bust of up to 36", a waist of up to 34.5" and a hip of up to 41" (note: a long vent in the back of the blazer makes the hip measurement expandable). It is 27.5" long.

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Blouse - 1960s Organza and German Mother of Pearl

$962.00

Sultry but chic is the theme of this skin-baring organza blouse. Timeless black organza gives a subtle sheen that sets off the “echt Perlmutter”, darker mother of pearl buttons superbly. The sheer weave promises movement and breathability, and black shade provides limitless styling options.

Fabric

1960’s American Organza. This fabric was sold by a woman whose grandfather was a pattern-maker for a NYC fashion house in the 1960s. She is in the process of reviewing and sharing his fabric collection for sewers around the world.

Buttons

1960’s German mother of pearl buttons. These mother of pearl buttons (“echt Perlmutter”) were made in Germany from dark shell stone and dyed blue. Dill Buttons was one of the most prolific button manufacturers in the 1960s and today continues to be headquartered in Barnauin, Bavaria. During the 1960s, there was a shortage of mother of pearl buttons — this may explain the popularity of dark shell stone during this time period.

Sizing Details

This blouse is a Medium, which means it is designed to accommodate U.S. sizes 2 through 8. View our detailed size chart and int'l sizes here.

Blouse - 1940s Rayon

FABRIC ORIGIN —
1940s post-war Rayon jersey in a turquoise floral print. Feels like silk jersey.

BUTTONS —
1920s/30s 'Ultra Kraft' blue-dyed mother of pearl buttons from an old button factory called B. Schwanda and Son Ocean Pearl Button Factory in Southern New England. In the 1960s the company went bankrupt due to the popularity of cheap, plastic buttons. Prior to that, its pearl would have been harvested from American waters.

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One-of-a-kind, Medium

Blouse - 1970s Italian Georgette Silk

One-of-a-kind, Medium

$1,278.00

Stitched-like lines wave into abstract petals on this Italian silk blouse. This cream georgette cloth graces the figure with its minimal darts and dotted pattern. Accentuated with “echt Perlmutter” buttons, a darker mother of pearl shell, that complement the cloth perfectly. Perfect for the office with a trouser, or casually styled with jeans on a day off.

Fabric

1970’s Italian georgette silk, with a lightly raised “flocked” texture resembling the outline of a rose and it’s petals. This flock printed georgette silk was purchased from a retiring couture dressmaker who, in turn, purchased the silk in Milan, Italy. By the 1970s, the Como region in Italy accounted for 80% of Italy’s silk production, so it is likely this silk came from Como. The establishment of Antonio Ratti was the largest silk manufacturer in Como at the time, selling to Valentino, Pucci, and veritably all household-name Italian designers.

A “P” label in this shirt is a rare blush pink early 20th-century lace appliqué from France.

Buttons

1960’s German mother of pearl buttons. These mother of pearl buttons (“echt Perlmutter”) were made in Germany from dark shell stone and dyed blue. Dill Buttons was one of the most prolific button manufacturers in the 1960s and today continues to be headquartered in Barnauin, Bavaria. During the 1960s, there was a shortage of mother of pearl buttons — this may explain the popularity of dark shell stone during this time period.

Sizing Details

This blouse is a Medium, which means it is designed to accommodate U.S. sizes 2 through 8. View our detailed size chart and int'l sizes here.

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One-of-a-kind, Medium

Jersey Blouse - 1930s Textured Luxe Rayon

One-of-a-kind, Medium

$1,162.00

Scenes of midnight rainfall come to life in this pre-war metallic rayon blouse. The silver and dark navy colors closely dash together on this slinky rayon jersey. French mother of pearl buttons highlight the silver threads like shining droplets. A modern and transitional piece, worn with slacks or a skirt for cocktails out.

Fabric

1930’s American Rayon Knit. This fabric was manufactured by the American mill Mallinson Fabrics under its label “Fabrics De Luxe.” Mallinson specialized in high end designs, which were marketed as equivalent to European fabrics, but at American prices. This fabric was purchased from a Canadian vintage fabric dealer.

Buttons

1940’s French mother of pearl buttons. These buttons were purchased by an antique dealer from the warehoused stock of a long-defunct general store in rural, southern Minnesota.

Sizing Details

This blouse is a Medium, which means it is designed to accommodate U.S. sizes 2 through 8. View our detailed size chart and int'l sizes here.

Read more →

One-of-a-kind, Medium

Blouse - 1960s Organza and German Mother of Pearl

One-of-a-kind, Medium

$962.00

Sultry but chic is the theme of this skin-baring organza blouse. Timeless black organza gives a subtle sheen that sets off the “echt Perlmutter”, darker mother of pearl buttons superbly. The sheer weave promises movement and breathability, and black shade provides limitless styling options.

Fabric

1960’s American Organza. This fabric was sold by a woman whose grandfather was a pattern-maker for a NYC fashion house in the 1960s. She is in the process of reviewing and sharing his fabric collection for sewers around the world.

Buttons

1960’s German mother of pearl buttons. These mother of pearl buttons (“echt Perlmutter”) were made in Germany from dark shell stone and dyed blue. Dill Buttons was one of the most prolific button manufacturers in the 1960s and today continues to be headquartered in Barnauin, Bavaria. During the 1960s, there was a shortage of mother of pearl buttons — this may explain the popularity of dark shell stone during this time period.

Sizing Details

This blouse is a Medium, which means it is designed to accommodate U.S. sizes 2 through 8. View our detailed size chart and int'l sizes here.

Read more →

One-of-a-kind, Medium

Blouse - 1980s French Silk Twill

One-of-a-kind, Medium

$1,278.00

Classic houndstooth meets color in this French silk blouse. Black and white check with purple and red on this gorgeous haute couture silk twill from Lyon. Darts line up with the slashes of color to highlight them further. Fastens with dark mother of pearl, “echt Perlmutter” buttons to compliment the darker tones. A beautiful piece for the workplace and weekends away alike.

Fabric

1980’s French silk twill, made for haute couture in Lyon. This fabric is a de-acquisition from the Musée des Ornements de La Femme in Gaillard, France.

Buttons

1960’s German mother of pearl buttons. These mother of pearl buttons (“echt Perlmutter”) were made in Germany from dark shell stone and dyed blue. Dill Buttons was one of the most prolific button manufacturers in the 1960s and today continues to be headquartered in Barnauin, Bavaria. During the 1960s, there was a shortage of mother of pearl buttons — this may explain the popularity of dark shell stone during this time period.

Sizing Details

This blouse is a Medium, which means it is designed to accommodate U.S. sizes 2 through 8. View our detailed size chart and int'l sizes here.

Read more →

One-of-a-kind, Medium

Blouse - 1980s Swiss Cotton Voile and Victorian Mother of Pearl

One-of-a-kind, Medium

$1,386.00

Autumnal colored florals grace this soft cotton voile blouse. The Swiss voile is light and comfortable, with a subtle floral print and exquisite mother of pearl buttons. These early twentieth century closures are uniquely different as they are carved by hand, so each have their own personality. Wonderful movement and ease of wear make this blouse perfect for any season and a multitude of outfits

Fabric

1980’s Swiss cotton voile.

Buttons

1900’s Bengalese mother of pearl buttons, which were hand carved for the French market. Each button is delightfully distinct in its appearance, as a result of being entirely formed by a human hand.

Sizing Details

This blouse is a Medium, which means it is designed to accommodate U.S. sizes 2 through 8. View our detailed size chart and int'l sizes here.

Read more →

One-of-a-kind, Medium

Artist’s Tunic - 1970s Korean Silk

One-of-a-kind, Medium

$1,278.00

Nothing quite like a classic button down, especially in this gorgeous Korean silk. The red cloth is dotted with dainty blooms, and a beautiful sheen finish. Turning back the cuffs reveal the original selvedge, and French mother of pearl buttons beautifully complete this elegant but comfortable silky piece. Worn with anything to smarten up your look and look effortlessly chic.

Fabric

1970’s Korean silk. This fabric arrived in it’s original import box and with a certificate of authenticity. These items will ship with the blouse. It was made by a company called “Kosilk”. Purchased from an estate sale in Baltimore, Maryland. It’s original importer was likely a tourist who brought it back from the then-Republic of Korea as a souvenir, intending to sew a lovely garment.

Buttons

1940’s French mother of pearl buttons. These buttons were purchased by an antique dealer from the warehoused stock of a long-defunct general store in rural, southern Minnesota.