Jane Derby was known as a top-of-the-line, ready-to-wear designer. She was born Jeannette Barr in 1895. Derby opened a retail business in New York in 1936 and Jane Derby Inc. in 1938. Her clothing was geared toward the mature women and featured three and four piece town suits, as well as casual and full evening wear. She often showed dresses with jackets or shawls and used flattering necklines in soft silhouettes for her customer.
In the early 1950s John Moore was her designer. Continuing to show conservative and feminine clothing, she ran her house till her death in 1965, when it was taken over by Oscar de la Renta, who was designing for the house at the time. From 1965 to 1967 the label was Oscar la Renta for Jane Derby.
Written by pastperfectvintage.com
from a 1939 wool suit
Courtesy of pastperfectvintage.com
from a 1950s dress
Courtesy of thevintagepeddler
from an early 1960s ensemble
Courtesy of amishtaxi
from a mid 1960s dress
Courtesy of antiquedress.com
