1940s Lilli Ann Brown Tweed Skirt Suit with Black Velvet Trim
This beautifully tailored 1940s Lilli Ann skirt suit combines richly textured brown tweed with contrasting black velvet detailing. Flecked with beige and black threads, the fabric brings depth to the sharply defined silhouette.
The jacket is fitted through the waist before flaring into a peplum, edged in black velvet. A narrow velvet strip creates the appearance of a welt pocket at the chest, while the back is detailed with velvet bands arranged to resemble corset lacing. Three fabric-covered buttons fasten the front.
The coordinating skirt sits high on the waist and is tailored to a pencil silhouette, with a single pleat allowing ease of movement. It fastens with a concealed zip and one button at the waistband. The jacket is fully lined in burnt orange crêpe whilst the skirt only retains a half slip at the back and you may wish to add your own slip or wear hosiery.
For a jacket of this age and outstanding design she is in great vintage condition; the velvet and tweed materials are perfect. The jacket lining has noticeable markings on the torso section and some small holes but still what I'd class as good and in keeping with the wear I'd expect. These minor age related issues are internal and are not visible from the outside when the suit is worn.
The ensemble is best suited to approximately a UK 6–8 or US 2–4. The jacket has no size or composition labels and please check our measurements below carefully before purchasing as the fabric has no stretch.
Notes on Designer: Lilli Ann was established in San Francisco in the early 1930s by Adolph Schuman, who named the company after his wife, Lillian. The label built its reputation on beautifully constructed suits and coats, combining elaborate detailing with exceptional fabrics. After the Second World War, Schuman sought out specialist European textile producers, buying from small firms whose traditional skills were threatened by the difficult post-war economy. These relationships brought fine, often hand-loomed fabrics into Lilli Ann’s collections, giving its American ready-to-wear a distinctly luxurious character.
MEASUREMENTS JACKET
BUST - 36 in. (91 cm)
WAIST - 28 in. (71 cm)
LENGTH - 21 in. (53 cm)
SHOULDERS - 17 in. (43 cm)
MEASUREMENTS SKIRT
WAIST - 26 in. (66 cm)
HIP - 38 in. (97 cm)
LENGTH - 26 in. (66 cm)
Pickup available at CIRCA VINTAGE
Usually ready in 24 hours
F.A.Q.
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What is archival fashion?
Archival fashion refers to historically significant designer garments preserved for their cultural, aesthetic, or technical importance. At Circa, archival fashion includes couture archive pieces, runway garments, early designer work, and museum-quality vintage that document the evolution of fashion history.
How is archival fashion different from vintage?
While vintage typically describes clothing over 20 years old, archival vintage is selected for its rarity, provenance, and relevance to a designer’s archive or fashion history. Circa specialises in archival pieces rather than general vintage.