Bellville Sassoon

Bellville Sassoon is a high-end British clothing brand. First established by Belinda Bellville in 1953, in 1970 it was transformed to Bellville Sassoon after Bellville formed a partnership with David Sassoon, who joined the company in 1958 as a designer. Belinda Bellville retired and left the company in 1981, while Sassoon stayed on for a few more decades. In the late 1980s the company was joined by Irish designer Lorcan Mullany, who currently runs the company.

Bellville Sassoon is known for their sophisticated and glamorous evening wear. Popular among London society, and due to Sassoon’s Jewish roots, among wealthy Jewish women in Britain. Bellville Sassoon managed to stay relevant in fashion through the decades. It is mostly perceived as a brand that made clothes for aristocratic debutantes and royalty. Its most famous client was Princess Diana of Wales, having created more than 70 designs for her over 12 years. Other notable clients were Princess Margaret, Princess Anne, Princess Alexandra, Princess Michael of Kent and the Duchess of Kent.

Written by Odessa Vintage

from a late-1980s/early-1990s jacket

Courtesy of Odessa Vintage

from a 1990s lace corset top

Courtesy of Poppy’s Vintage Clothing