FEATURES: This ca. late 50s/early 60s' 2-piece outfit from Tabak of California was designed by its long-time head designer, Irene Saltern and comes directly from her estate. Carries the 1955 to 1963 Union label.
The boxy cropped jacket is made of a thin, lightly slubbed and lustrous Duppioni silk and is fully lined in a heavier Shantung silk. Has three-quarter sleeves and sewn-in weights at the bottom hem corners to hold it in place, a sign of its quality construction. Due to its many colors, this piece can be worn with coordinating skirts, slacks, and other shorts or over a dress.
The shorts are a more heavily slubbed orange Shantung silk, high-waisted, lined in cotton, with side pockets, back metal zipper, set-on waistband, and front and back darts. The color was hard to capture in photos. It's a deep pumpkin orange, more toward the red end of orange than yellow. Photo #5 and the label shot look to be the most accurate.
SIZE: Extra small to small, but don't go strictly by my size estimate--use the measurements. We suggest you measure a similar garment you own to determine fit. Please leave room for movement. We measure on outside of garment, laid flat but not stretched, unless otherwise specified.
JACKET (measured as it would fall naturally on the body)
Bust: 40"; Around hem (falls above hip): 38"; Length: 17 1/2" from top of shoulder; Shoulder to shoulder: 16"
SHORTS
Waist: 25 1/2"; Hips: 36 1/2"; Inseam: 8"; Rise: 13"
CONDITION: Shows light signs of wear and was likely a runway sample. There's a light ink spot on the front of the shorts. Not noticeable when jacket is worn, and not noticeable at a distance. The last photo shows this, is larger than "real life" when viewed at 100% on screen, and was taken from about 2 feet away (but zoomed in on). (Variations in the shorts color are due to the lights and not in the fabric.) Priced to account.
PROVENANCE: Ms. Saltern was a costume designer for the movies in the 40s and later on, a very influential figure in the booming California sportswear industry. In addition to Tabak of California, she designed for Phil Rose; her own label, Irene Saltern of California; and others. Many of the estate pieces I have were runway samples, spec pieces, and from Ms. Saltern's personal wardrobe.
This item is sold from a vintage boutique in York, Pa.
