Rouff, Maggy

Maggy Besançon de Wagner (1896-1971), of the Maggy Rouff fashion house, began designing at the House of Drecoll, where her parents were the directors. Her initial success was owed to the public’s fascination with the silver screen. When her gowns were worn by such icons of the early cinema as Theda Barra, Pola Negri, and Greta Garbo, her reputation was established.

The Maggy Rouff fashion house was opened in 1928. She continued to make lovely evening fashions, but was best known for her sportswear. She also designed day dresses and suits and lingerie. Rouff worked as a couturier, but she also had several successful ready-to-wear lines. Maggy Rouff retired in 1948, and her daughter, Anne-Marie Besançon de Wagner, became the designer. In the 1960s the couture was discontinued, with just the ready-to-wear remaining. In the late 1960s the business was closed.

Written by vintagegent.com

from a 1930s dress

Courtesy of Irreverent Finery Vintage

from a 1930s velvet opera coat (this tag has been dyed)

Courtesy of circavintage

from a 1940s fur coat

Courtesy of ebth.com

from a late 1940s fur coat

Courtesy of fuzzylizzie.com

from a1950s evening gown

Courtesy of Shopmorphew

from a late-1950s skirt suit

Courtesy of VintageTimeAfterTime

from a ca. 1963 dress

Courtesy of kickshawproductions.com

from a 1960s dress

Courtesy of ZeusVintage

from a 1960s evening dress

Courtesy of catbooks1940s

from a 1960s scarf

Courtesy of vintagegent.com

from a mid 1960s men’s jacket

Courtesy of Dave Beales