1950's Vanity Fair "Conversation Pieces" Gold and Black Peignoir Set
There isn't much literature behind the elusive Vanity Fair "Conversation Pieces" line, but I'll piece together what I can to give the full picture of these extraordinary pieces!
A little information about this piece:
Multiple layers of buttery soft, black nylon at the skirt, trimmed at the waist with black The bodice is covered with 24 karat gold that was stenciled on over Chantilly lace.
The special Gold Thread, Chiffon "Vanity Fair" tag hidden on the inside seam.
This set does show some minor wear on the robe where some of the gold dust has worn off.
From what I've gathered, this is one of only a handful of styles that Vanity Fair released as part of their "Conversation Pieces" (not sure if VF coined that or the lingerie collecting audience) line.
I found an article from the Sunday Herald Magazine dated December 11, 1955 where there was a holiday write-up about this new launch from Vanity Fair.
For the girl who dreams of gold for Christmas there is a nylon lingerie lavished with gleaming "cloth of gold" accents offered by Vanity Fair.
An aura of excitement goes with garments trimmed with this rich tricot impregnated with 24 karat gold.
(...)
A theater slip, two beautifully styled nightgowns, an elegant peignoir, and bra and briefs also take on the "Midas" look.
Sunday Herald Magazine, December 11, 1955
By all accounts this is a line that was very short-lived and meant more as a capsule collection. In 1955, items from this line retailed between $12,95- 99.95 and if I priced this slip at the low end of the retail spectrum this slip would have been $12.95 in 1955. If adjusted for inflation the same slip would retail for $148.37 in 2023. The gold pieces would be over $1,100 today! Definitely one of the first luxury lines!
circa 1950's, United States
AP.11.1.19.cp.51