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Category: Vintage Fashion


Sep
2023

Vintage Dirndl Fashion Illustrations

categories: Oktoberfest, Vintage Fashion

For centuries, the dirndl has been a beloved and timeless staple of Germanic folk fashion. Its eye-catching and colorful designs have been meticulously crafted and worn with pride for generations, and its influence can be seen in modern fashion today.

Discover the beauty of this timeless style (that I simply adore) thru vintage fashion illustrations / sewing patterns (1930s-1950s) as seen in this latest post.

1950s fashion illustration for women's Dirndls as seen in the Lutterloh Dirndl Supplement 1950's

Note: I’m off to the final weekend of Oktoberfest in Munich Germany on Thursday, so this is why I wanted to do this post. I cannot wait as I have never been. I also have three dirndls but I am only taking one and if you scroll to the end, you can see what one.

Please Follow my fun on Instagram & and the end of this post please see my other “Oktoberfest Posts”.

Brief History of the Dirndl

The Dirndl is a feminine dress which originated in German-speaking areas of the Alps. It is traditionally worn by women and girls in Austria, Bavaria (south-eastern Germany), Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Alpine regions of Italy (South Tyrol). A dirndl consists of a close-fitting bodice featuring a low neckline, a blouse worn under the bodice, a wide high-waisted skirt and an apron.

The dirndl is regarded as a folk costume (German: Tracht). It developed as the clothing of Alpine peasants between the 16th and 18th centuries. Today it is generally considered the traditional dress for women and girls in German-speaking parts of the Alps, with particular designs associated with different regions. The usual masculine tracht counterpart of the dirndl is lederhosen.

In the late 19th century the dirndl was adapted by the upper and middle classes as a fashion mode, and subsequently spread as a mode outside its area of origin. There are many varieties of adaptations from the original folk designs (Source).

Vintage Photo of Bavarian musicians, ca 1902 in traditional Tracht (dirndl) and lederhosen.

Bavarian musicians, ca 1902

Note: There was a dark period for the traditional dress during WW2 when it was adopted it as a symbol of pan-German identity in the countries under Nazi rule (Germany from 1933, Austria from 1938). The dirndl was used to promote the Nazi ideal of the German woman as hard-working and fertile (Source).

It would be several years after the end of the war before the dirndl would regain populartiy (but it eventually did!).

Further Reading: Rare Dirndl who I have purchased dirndl blouses from in the past and has a fantastic blog (and dresses) on this topic. Please take a moment to read, ‘Dirndl Color Meanings and History‘ to learn more about the history of this dress.

Vintage Fashion Illustrations / Sewing Patterns: 1930s-1950s

1930s dirndls in all different styles, colours and patterns.

1930s fashion illustration for women's dirndls as seen in a German dirndl magazine. 1930s dirndls in all different styles, colours and patterns.

Source: Pinterest

1930’s styles.

1930s fashion illustration for women's 1930s dirndls as seen in a German catalog

Source: Pinterest

Deutsche Moden Zeitung ,1938 featuring an illustration of two women in very different 1930s fashions. A playsuit that is perfect for hot summer days, and a dirndl for all other times.

About the Deutsche Moden-Zeitung: Subtitled “Frau, Volk, Welt”, was a magazine about clothing fashion , especially for women , that was published from 1891 to 1944 . In the titles marked “Large Edition” or “Edition A”, the sheet contained various patterns sheets for making clothes and underwear yourself. The magazines published as “Edition B” also provided information about fashion , but did not contain any pattern sheets (Source).

1930s fashion: Deutsche Moden Zeitung 1938 featuring an illustration of two women in very different 1930s fashions. A playsuit that is perfect for hot summer days, and a dirndl for all other times.

Source: Pinterest

More 1930s dirndls as seen in Deutsche Moden Zeitung.

1930s fashion illustration for women's 1930s dirndls as seen in Deutsche Moden Zeitung magazine.

Source: Pinterest

UK version of Austrian sewing pattern magazine, Record Fashions from July 1938 featuring the traditional dress in various styles.

`1930s fashion illustration: UK version of Austrian sewing pattern magazine, Record Fashions from July 1938 featuring the traditional dress in various styles.

Source: Vintagegal

1940s Winter Dirndl fashion illustrations.

1940s Fashion Illustration as seen in a catalog page for women's 1940s Winter Dirndls.

Source: Pinterest

Spring in the Alps should always include a beautiful Tracht. 1940s catalog page.

1940s fashion illustration for womens 1940s fashions featuring a woman in a traditional German Dirndl

Source: Pinterest

1940s sewing pattern fashion illustration for women's dirndls, Traditional German dress.

Source: Pinterest

Lutterloh 1950 dirndls.

1950 fashion illustration featuring women's dirndls in fall colours.

Source: Pinterest

Bettina Schnitt Wiener Modell D3362 ( c. early 1950s ) german dirndl dress, green white peasant blouse and red heart apron vintage sewing pattern. So cute!

1950s vintage sewing pattern: Bettina Schnitt Wiener Modell D3362 ( c. early 1950s ) german dirndl dress green white peasant blouse red apron with hearts.

Source: Pinterest

Here is another one from the same sewing pattern brand. Love the heart apron pattern on this dress.

1950s sewing pattern for womens dirndl from Bettina Schnitt K 3139 (c.1950s) featuring a pretty heart apron.

Source: Pinterest

1950s catalog featuring dirndls for “Gross und Klein” (large and small), women and girls.

1950s catalog featuring fashion illustrations of dirndls for “Gross und Klein” (large and small), women and girls.

Source: Pinterest

1950s fashion illustration for women's Dirndls.

Source: Pinterest

Thank you for dropping by and taking a look at these beautiful dirndls with me. Please share in the comments section, what your favourite was, or anything else about this topic. I love hearing from my readers!

Further Reading:

About the below photo: The dirndl on the left was my mother’s in the 1970s she bought in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. The middle is my tracten from Munich (blouse from Rare Dirndl) and the one on the right (with my mom in her traditional dress) was found in a vintage store but is authentic.

Dirndls vintage and modern

September 2024 Update: I have created a fun Oktoberfest playlist on Spotify that is perfect for your next fest party. Enjoy!


May
2023

Vintage Fashion Designer Spotlight: L’AIGLON

categories: Vintage Fashion, Vintage Fashion Designer

L’AIGLON…An American Brand that created stylish and attractive dresses for women and juniors between 1900’s – 1960’s.

1950s Fashion: 1950s soft pink cotton/linen dress by L’Aiglon features broad wisps with Broderie anglaise, rounded neckline, fitted waist and a flirty full skirt with single hip pocket.

1950s soft pink cotton/linen dress by L’Aiglon. Source: Etsy – vantagevintagebtq

For today’s ‘Vintage Fashion Designer / Brand‘ spotlight, we will be learning about L’Aiglon’s fashion history and then taking a look at their stunning fashion designs (as seen thru vintage ads & real life dresses avail to purchase).

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, don’t fret! The websites I have provided are updated daily with 1000’s of new & vintage items. Just do a quick search and see what you find.

About L’Aiglon

I will prefence the below to say that there was very little historical information on this clothing line besides the Vintage Fashion Guild (and a blog I found). So if any of my readers has information they can add, please share in the comments section below. Thank you!

(From the Vintage Fashion Guild)

L’Aiglon was founded in 1898 in Philadelphia as part of Biberman Brothers, Inc. The company’s original label read “Biberman Make” but changed in 1919 to “L’Aiglon”. On those early labels you will find “Biberman Make” in small letters. Biberman Make dresses were “wash dresses”, or washable. “Tubable” was the word of the era. Biberman also made bathrobes and uniforms for maids and nurses.

Its founder, Joseph Biberman, committed suicide in 1933 as a result of financial difficulties during the Great Depression. The company, however, survived, and continued to make inexpensive but stylish and attractive dresses for women and juniors. During the 1950s, L’Aiglon dresses were used as costumes on the soap opera, The Edge of Night. The label was trademarked in 1963 so any labels with an R (trademark symbol) are post-1963.

The company produced three labels in addition to their primary L’Aiglon label. Jeanne d’arc was L’Aiglon’s junior’s label. It was launched in 1939 and produced through at least 1965. Dauphine, a label designed for petite sizes, was introduced in 1958 and manufactured through at least 1971. Lady L’Aiglon was a short-lived half size label made in 1962 and 1963. Half sizes were also offered prior to 1962 under the L’Aiglon label.

At their height they produced 1,400 dresses a day.

They were also know for using techniques such as screen printing exquisite, floral patterns onto beautifully designed cotton dresses and adding finishing touches such as contrasting jackets, belts, rhinestones and ribbon trims. All of this you will see below.

The company was liquidated in 1975.

L’Aiglon Vintage Advertising

As mentioned above, in the early days of L’Aiglon the line made uniforms for maids and nurses as seen in this 1921 vintage ad.

1920s Vintage ad from 1921 for L'Aiglon Dresses Maids and Nurses Uniforms. Vintage Fashion Brand.

Source: Etsy – AmericanCenturyShop

1920s ad for L’Aiglon Women’s Dresses. Wonderful 1920’s styles are described at the bottom (with prices): “Anemone,” “Irene,” Bernice,” Elaine,” Gladys,” and “Mignonette” models.

Copy: The joyous spirit of youth, or the quiet preference of dignity, will delight in the exquisite fineness of workmanship and the expression of good style in these daintiest, most charming, and withal most practical L’Aiglon dresses.

1920s Vintage Fashion Ad for L'Aiglon Women's Dresses. Wonderful 1920's styles on display in the ad.

Source: Atticpaper

June 1922, Women’s L’Aiglon Slip-Overs 1920s dresses (from $2.00 and up). “Just slip one over your head – and there you are, daintly clad for whatever the day will bring!“

1920s Fashion: June 1922, Women's L'Aiglon Slip-Overs 1920s dresses. "Just slip one over your head - and there you are, daintly clad for whatever the day will bring!"

Source: Flickr

1930’s Sales brochure for their youth line featuring cute dresses / frocks you could stock your store with. What a cool piece of marketing history!

This piece also gives more insight into the brand. We find out that they had a factory in Puerto Rico and their New York City Address was in the “New” Herald Square Building (1350 Broadway).

1930s L’aiglon sales brochure. Pep your department clothing store with their outfits for kids vintage brochure Frocks
1930s L’aiglon sales brochure. Pep your department clothing store with their outfits for kids vintage brochure Frocks

Source: eBay

1949 modeling photo of a L’Aiglon sundress. Photo taken by staff photographer for Vogue, Harpers Bazaar and Bride magazines, Karen Radkai.

Late 1940s vintage photo of a model wearing a late 1940s plaid sundress by L'Aiglon. Image from photographer Karen Radkai

1951 L’Aiglon Dress Ad – “L’Aiglon summerizes the fashion picture.” The ad is from Lord & Taylor where the dresses were being sold.

1950s Vintage Fashion Ad: 1951 L'Aiglon Dress Ad - "L'Aiglon summerizes the fashion picture." The ad is from Lord & Taylor where the dresses were being sold.

Source: eBay

“Who’s the Lady in the L’Aiglon?” 1953 ad featuring copy about the stylish woman in the picture.

Due to the image being cut off, I think she is a curator at a museum with a happy family (hence the cooking) and she has something to do with ABC. “She is an expert on American fashion and looks to L’Aiglon for smart clothes like this coat-dress of Lorette (Washable Lorette is 55%).”

1950s vintage fashion ad for L'Aiglon dresses featuring a woman cooking while standing in front of ABC microphone wearing a coat-dress from L'Aiglon. Beautiful 1950s fashion.

Source: eBay

“L’Aiglon! A New You!” “Wash it at 5, Wear it at 6“. 1958 ad.

1950s vintage fashion ad for L'Aiglon dresses from 1958 featuring a woman in a hat and cute late 1950s dress.

1950s summer fashion inspiration ad. “Summer’s wonderful in wonderful Summer“.

1950s Fashion ad for L'Aiglons dress the perfect vintage summer outfit, a stunning yellow dress.

Source: Pinterest

1960’s ad: “The Social Butterfly”.

Copy: Rare find: L’Aiglon’s shirtdress with cotton checks. It’s natural habitat: office, smart luncheon spot, everywhere!

Sold at Marshall Field & Company.

FURTHER READING: The Shirtwaist Dress (archived blog post).

1960s vintage ad 1960s fashion ad for L'Aiglon dresses featuring a woman in a checkered 1960s shirtwaist dress

Source: Alamy

“What ever became of the Little Black Dress?” “If girls are wearing white this year, credit Acrilan. It makes possible the first washable white dresses that look glamourous! They’re designed by L’Aiglon in Heller’s double-knit of 100% Acrilan acrylic fiber.” – 1960s vintage ad.

1960s vintage ad for L'Aigion featuring two women with 1960s hairstyles wearing white shift dresses

Source: eBay

1960s Marshall Field & Company ad featuring two L’Aiglon dresses. A yellow stunner of a dress and a polka dot fit and flare dress.

1960s Fashion Ad: 1960s Marshall Field & Company ad featuring two L'Aiglon dresses. A yellow stunner of a dress and a polka dot fit and flare dress.

Source: eBay

L’Aiglon for DuPont 1963 ad featuring a fun zebra print dress.

1960s vintage fashion ad L'Aiglon for DuPont 1963 featuring a woman in a zebra print 1960s dress

Source: Pinterest

The Vintage Fashions of L’Aiglon

Note: I found no examples of 1920s dress (in real life) and no 1940s vintage fashion ads OR 1940s dresses from any of the lines L’Aiglon had.

1930s Art Deco dress by L’Aiglon. Light weight cotton printed with geometric pattern, navy blue with white. Bodice is a boxy style wrap scoop collar which you can open to uncover the cotton voile bib or close with two crochet buttons (avail as of May 29th, 2023).

Further Reading: 1930s Fashions as seen on everyday people

1930s Fashion: 1930s Art Deco dress by L’Aiglon. Light weight cotton printed with geometric pattern, navy blue with white. Bodice is a boxy style wrap scoop collar which you can open to uncover the cotton voile bib or close with two crochet buttons

Source: Etsy – STARDAYnSWELLEGANT

A 1950s pretty floral dress with a classic 1950s cut. The perfect Spring dress from L’Aiglon (avail as of May 29th, 2023).

1950s Fashion: This 1950s dress has a gorgeous floral print and the perfect 1950s cut. She was made by the beloved dress makers at L’Aiglon. I love her print, the green piped trim in the neckline and cuffs and her full skirt. She has a metal zipper in the back.

Source: Etsy-VintageVixenPortland 

Beautiful black with red L’Aiglon dress from the 1950s. This dress features a structured bodice, fitted waistline, longer sleeves, and a full skirt. This dress is so pretty and would be the perfect Fall outfit (avail as of May 29th, 2023).

1950s Fashion: Beautiful black with red dress from the 1950s from fashion brand L'Aiglon. This dress features a structured bodice, fitted waistline, longer sleeves, and a full skirt. Metal zipper.

Source: Etsy – TrunkofDresses

1950s Dress. Another pretty piece! Bright pink floral against a white background. 6 Groupings of vertical pleats on the bodice. Waistband has attached bow above pleated skirt (avail as of May 29th, 2023).

1950s Fashion: Flamingo Pink Floral L'Aiglon Dress from the 1950s. Bright pink floral against a white background. 6 Groupings of vertical pleats on the bodice. Waistband has attached bow above pleated skirt. Perfect Vintage Summer Outfit.

Source: Etsy – AuburnFoxVintage

1950s “New Look” L’Aiglon dress. Bodice is fabricated in a beige colored cotton and trimmed in a white rayon faille. The skirt is in a white crisp cotton in a heavy embroidered diamond pattern (avail as of May 29th, 2023).

1950s Fashion: 1950s "New Look" L'Aiglon dress. Bodice is fabricated in a beige colored cotton and trimmed in a white rayon faille. The skirt is in a white crisp cotton in a heavy embroidered diamond pattern.

Source: Etsy-NobleVintageClothier

1960s L’Aiglon dress, white with black trimmings.

1960s Fashion: 1960s L'Aiglon White with black trimmings shift dress with belt.

Source: eBay

A very sweet early 1960s sundress!  Lightweight, slightly sheer white cotton/polyester blend.  Stripes of lace and tiny embroidered pink roses.  Classic silhouette with a fitted bodice and full, gathered skirt.

1960s Fashion: A very sweet early 1960s sundress by L'Aiglon! Lightweight, slightly sheer white cotton/polyester blend. Stripes of lace and tiny embroidered pink roses. Classic silhouette with a fitted bodice and full, gathered skirt.

Source: Raleigh Vintage

Biberman Brothers / L’Aiglon “OTHER” fashion label designs examples:

Vintage 1950s ‘Dauphine’ light blue embroidered dress with a full skirt (avail as of May 29th, 2023).

Dauphine, a label designed for petite sizes, was introduced in 1958 and manufactured through at least 1971.

1950s Fashion: Vintage 1950s 'Dauphine' light blue embroidered dress with a full skirt. Dauphine, a label designed for petite data-lazy-sizes, was introduced in 1958 and manufactured through at least 1971.

Source: Etsy – Roamandwandervintage

Vintage 1950s brown cotton dress with embroidery by ‘Jeanne d’arc’ (avail as of May 29th, 2023).

Jeanne d’arc was L’Aiglon’s junior’s label. It was launched in 1939 and produced through at least 1965.

1950s fashion: Vintage 1950s Dress Brown Cotton with Embroidery by Jeanne D'arc.

Source: Etsy – SquealVintage

So many beautiful dresses & cool ads but so little space for this post! I hope you enjoyed learning about L’Aiglon and seeing their stunning creations. I really enjoyed putting this together for you. Share you favourites in the comment section below!

Vintage Shopping for L’Aiglon Dresses: There were many dresses avail for purchase on Etsy that I have started a collection of them on the site so you can take a look at that ones I could not show on this post. Take a look at the vintage dresses HERE.

Further Reading:

Thanks for dropping by

Liz