Do you have a passion for fashion, but also a love for all things vintage? If so, then you won’t want to miss out on learning about one of the most iconic and timeless dress labels in history- Jonathan Logan. With its roots dating back to the 1940s, this brand has stood the test of time and continues to be a staple in the world of vintage fashion.
Join me as we delve into the history and unique style of Jonathan Logan, and discover why this brand has remained a favorite among fashion enthusiasts for decades. From its humble beginnings to its enduring legacy, get ready to explore the world of Jonathan Logan and unlock the secrets of its enduring appeal.
Photo Courtesy of: Couture Allure
Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Note: If you click on an item and it is no longer available, donāt fret! The websites I have provided are updated daily with 1000ās of new & vintage items. Just do a quick search and see what you find.
Jonathan Logan-A Classic Vintage Dress Label
Yup I can hear already what you are saying…”WOW!”, “Beautiful!”, “where can I get one?”, see why I’m obsessed and that is only picture one!
THE FASHION HISTORY
The Company was founded in 1944 by David Schwartz with a small arsenal of dedicated employees, including the first designer of the label “Doris Varnum” and quickly became known for their excellent quality and classic styles (vintage fashion guild).
Here is a Doris Varnum design from 1947
Photo courtesy of: Retrogator.com
I’m already picturing myself in this dress š As you can see from the Ad above the label was sold at Department stores all across the country, so you were never far away from being able to purchase a Jonathan Logan dress (wish that was the case today).
In the late 1950’s, Doris was replaced with designer Jeanne Carr. Here are some 1950’s designs (Note: some of these designs might be Doris designs as Jeanne did not start designing to late 1950’s but I’m unsure what is considered “late”):
Photo Courtesy of: myvintagevogue.com
1950’s Jonathan Logan full circle skirt cocktail dress.
Photo Courtesy of Etsy seller: dLeChe
Photo Courtesy of: myvintagevogue.com
By the 1960’s the Jonathan Logan label become the largest ready to wear company in the USA. 1963 actually recorded $100 million in annual sales, unheard of for a women’s clothing company and it also became the first women’s clothing company to be listed on the New York Stock exchange (Jewish Virtual Library).
Some 1960’s looks….
Photo Courtesy of: myvintagevogue.com
The label eventually spread its wings into 14 different brands, each geared to a different consumer group. Some of the those lines included “Butte Knit” specializing in knitted apparel at a time that classification was just beginning to flourish. “Bleeker Street” in 1966 to promote the Carnaby Street Boutique popularity (Carnaby St in London, England by the 1960’s was where you could find the “Mod” & “Hippy” styles-Wikipedia), a line that was in existence till 1974.
Schwartz guided Logan until 1964, when he appointed his son president and chief operating officer but remained as chairman. Richard Schwartz was then 25 years old, the youngest president of any business on the New York Stock Exchange (Jewish Virtual Library).
By 1985 though the Schwartz family sold their interest in the company and moved onto other business ventures.
Today the Jonathan Logan labels are very popular for Vintage lovers (especially the 1950’s designs) and can be found on Etsy & eBay with some of the early designs costing into the hundreds to purchase.
Jonathan Logan Dresses Real Life Examples
(Updated Feb 2024)
1950s Vintage Shopping: I have created a collection on Etsy featuring 1950s fashions & more Jonathan logan dresses that I update monthly. Visit HERE.
Note: If you click on an item and it is no longer available, donāt fret! The websites I have provided are updated daily with 1000ās of new & vintage items. Just do a quick search and see what you find.
This 1955 Jonathan Logan top and skirt featuring a multi-coloured polka dotted set is just so special especially when you find the matching 1950s advertisement.
Source: Etsy – VINTAGEVAVAVOOMZ
“Let’s play tic-tac-toe” -1952 Jonathan Logan light-weight silk taffeta in a dijon-mustard yellow with a cute black tic-tac-toe print (avail as of Feb, 2024 HERE).
Source: Etsy – labellevintage
The original 1950s ad (or catalog page) states: “Let’s play tic-tac-toe in this mesmerizing silk taffeta designed by Jonathan Logan with cleverly detailed kerchief at neck. A wonderful wide skirt which remains full with or without crinoline. The simple black button trim on bodice and sleeves plus shiny patent belt afford excellent contrast with this conversation-making print. $14.95”.
Source: Etsy – labellevintage
1950s Jonathan Logan blue grey dress with peplum / pearl details.
Source: Etsy – LittleBirdVtg
1960s Jonathan Logan Hot Pink Mid-Century Print Dagger Collar Dress.
Source: Etsy
1950’s/60’s White and Blue Jonathan Logan Floral Fit and Flare Summer Dress (avail as of Feb 2024 HERE).
Source: Etsy
1950s original pink red check Jonathan Logan cotton dress and jacket.
Source: Etsy
1950’s Jonathan Logan impressionist monet-esque floral dress & matching bolero with portrait collar.
Source: Etsy
1950ās Striped Cotton Johnathan Logan Fit and Flare.
Source: Etsy
When you can find a deadstock dress, that is a true vintage find (meaning never worn, tags on). Here is a stunner of a deadstock 1950s Jonathan Logan dress in the shirtwaist style that was oh so popular.
Gosh I love this dress!
Source: Etsy
Spring is the perfect time to wear this stunning 1950s Jonathan Logan, gathered floral chiffon skirt over blue bias (circle) skirt cocktail dress. LOVE IT!
Source: Etsy
A beautiful vintage 1950’s dropped waist dress by Jonathan Logan. The bottom layer is a pink/white micro check and the top layer is a white lace.
Source: Etsy
Floaty chiffon 1950s vintage aqua & pink floral party dress. STUNNING!
Source: Etsy
1950s Vintage Jonathan Logan Yellow Full Pleated Skirt Cotton Dress.
Source: Etsy
1950s Jonathan Logan brown striped dress. Perfect for Fall!
Source: Etsy
Pink Striped 1950s Jonathan Logan Dress.
Source: Etsy
Jonathan Logan 1950’s mint condition dress. So Pretty!
Source: Etsy
Jonathan Logan 1950s two piece women’s suit (skirt & jacket).
Etsy
I only own one 1970’s dress and it’s my grandmothers from my parents wedding day. It’s a stunner. This I will be honest, is also a stunner. A 1970s Jonathan Logan, Dead-Stock Chevron Stripe Autumn Maxi Dress. The colours are just fantastic!
Source: Etsy
I hope you enjoyed this blog post and I also hope I helped you discover a new vintage designer. I know that I will be online window shopping later on today for a Jonathan Logan dress to add to my collection. Will you?
Further Reading:
- Vintage Fashion 1920s-1960s (Archived Blog Posts)
- Vintage Fashion Designers (Archived Blog Posts)
Liz
Just going through my mums old fifties dresses and came across a Jonathan logan dress….not in the best condition but lovely..not for sale though…
I’m thrilled for your find even if it’s not in the best condition š
My late Mom worked for Jonathan Logan and traveled the globe as the PR director until she met my Dad in 1956. Classic apparel maker.
Oh My goodness Sam that is outstanding! WOW I’m super envious of your mom’s past. Thank you so much of sharing this bit of news with me about your mom, loved it š
Thanks for posting the piece on Jonathan Logan. My Mom was very down to earth but always in style….
With connections to amazing label yes I can imagine she was very stylish š
I must have just found the ugliest JL dress possible. Wish I could find out more about it. Email me if you want to see a picture. It is black and puke yellow.. looks like a Star Trek uniform and all polyester.
Ohh now you have me very curious! I will email you. I can believe it though because every designer I have ever known has gone thru times where they have really missed the mark and so im not super surprised that Jonathan Logan was one of them
Hi, just discovered, and love your blog. I was a dress designer from 70s through 2007. Just want to add, there were several designers that designed for the label, Luz Claiborne being one from about 1960- late 70s. Iām not even sure if āJonathan Loganā was a real person, the company was founded by David Schwartz.
Thanks for all this fantastic info! It’s very helpful when those in the know drop me a line and fill in the blanks. Thanks so much!
Liz
I was given a bag of clothes and found a Jonathan Logan dress in it.. It is very pretty, and in good condition. It has a few little stains but no rips or tears. I was wondering what era it is from… I’m having trouble finding one that resembles it online. It has a satin floral print long sleeve top and it also has a bib type thing that matches the material on the skirt part of the dress.
Ohhhhhhhhhh how wonderful! I’m not a huge expert but I have friends who could tell. Would you be able to email a picture to me and I could ask around? egruening@hotmail.com
Have a wonderful day!
Liz š
My aunt was a seamstress for Jonathan Logan in the 50’s and 60’s. She worked in Barnesville Ohio.
Wow! That is so cool Kathy, thanks so much for sharing that family history. love it š
My name is Rosemary and I was the resident showroom model for Jonathan Logan. We were at 1411 Broadway and it was a wonderful first experience for me in the garment industry. Dave Schwartz, CEO of Jonathan Logan was a genius. I miss those days ~ best regards
Hi Rosemary,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing that you worked there. What an experience it must of been to get to model the beautiful Jonathan Logan outfits. I’m envious of that job, the clothes are just so stunning. I’m glad you have wonderful memories to look back on.
Thanks again for dropping by!
Liz š
Hi there I’ve been googling Jonathan Logan because I just found a dress with his label on it in my late Moms stuff. I’m not likely to ever wear this so am looking to sell. Its a collared dress with a belt. Any advice?
Hi Susan! I’m not big into the selling of vintage so my advice is limited, but what I would do if I was in your shoes (if you are looking to sell). Is to find a vintage clothing shop in your town and explain your situation and see if they can help you date and maybe then give you a price on the dress (they can see the quality as well and will know pretty well what the price should be). Then it’s up to you, if you want to see it on Ebay or maybe the shop will be buy it from you, OR have suggestions on where you could take it. IF you don’t have a shop that you could go to for advice, going on Etsy or Ebay and researching your dress (type in words like ‘Joanthan Logan, collared dress with belt’) will sometimes bring up similar styles to what you own. This can also help you gauge the price and value of the dress you own.
Hope this helps get you started.
liz š
I have nothing but fond memories of my days modeling for Logan….but also did several photo shoots for the NY Times Magazine ….my direct boss in the NY Showroom was Charles Glick
Rosemary
Oh wow! That must of been amazing wearing all those beautiful dresses. I am so very envious of your experience Rosemary. AND you modeled for NY Times Magazine..wow! What a fun life. Thank you for sharing a memory with us.
Liz
I have a vintage Johnathan Logan dress that is absolutely beautiful. I took it as payment for a job i done for a woman. She said it was from the 50s and she bought it new. she kept it in perfect condition over the years. I am interested in selling it nut i cannot find anything about it so im not sure what it is worth. It is a cross over v neck with thin straps, floor length pleated in black with a small belt that ties around the waist.It is gorgeous. Any info you could give would be amazing. Thank you
Hi There,
The dress sounds wonderful! I wish I could help though. I’m not a vintage seller, so I really don’t have any expertise in selling or pricing vintage clothing. So very sorry. I would recommend if your city has a vintage clothing store that specializes in 1920s-1960s fashions to reach out to them. Seeing the dress in person and talking to an expert at a store like that would be the best way to get a go price on it.
Good luck!
Liz
For Rosemary Marano, what were the names of the designers working there when you modeled? We had our showroom at 1400 Broadway. Loved the biz back in the day.
Just bought a Bleecker Street by JL at a local consignment store. Classic black sleeveless dress. Love it!
Fantastic! What a wonderful find, congrats and enjoy your Jonathan Logan find š
As curator of a historical society museum in Vermont, I find I am lucky enough to have just had donated to us a beautiful Jonathan Logan dress, in salmon pink velvet with a ruched waistline and little bolero jacket, dated approx 1959, by the lady who wore it to her high school graduation. I don’t have it in front of me at present, but it is on its way to us. I’m excited to find it is such a seminal piece of American women’s clothing. Thank you for the details of who was designing for the company and when, because that will help me document it even better when I catalogue it.
This is fantastic Elizabeth! Wow! I wish I lived in Vermont and then I could see this dress. I’m so very happy that my little blog could help you with the documentation of this designer/ dress. Have fun!
Liz
Elizabeth, I have an old Jonathan Logan dress, that I’ll never use, but don’t want to just give it to Good Will. I’d love it if It would be part of a museum collection somewhere. Its a brown and black striped (various thicknesses of stripes going both directions) sleeveless dress with a matching jacket. No clue what year it is – it would have been given to my family in the 70’s and was a hand-me-down at that time. What is the name of your museum? How might I contact you? Marita
Hi Marita,
Thanks for reaching out and your dress sounds lovely. I’m actually not a museum, just a woman who likes to blog about vintage things. Where are you located? I’m in Canada and we have a fashion history museum, but I”m not sure about other places outside of my place of origin.
Let me know and I will see if I can guide you.
Liz
I see that Iām not the only one who has a love for Jonathan Logan dresses! Thank you for this post. I am trying to learn more and more as I collect pieces here and there. I also have a fondness for I. magnin as my mother was from San Francisco and her and my grandmother would shop there.
Happy Hunting!
Liz
Just came across a Jonathan Logan dress my mom wore in her 20s. She passed 12 years ago at the age of 72. Have kept the dress for years because I always found it very pretty. Thank you for more information about Jonathan Logan
What a nice piece to have of your mother and a beautiful one at that. Thank you for sharing this with my readers and me.
Take care!
Liz