Vintage
Tina Leser
Hand Painted
Koi Reef Dress

This is one of my favorite collectible dresses.  It is cotton, hand-painted dress by Tina Leser.  Tina Leser was inspired by the fabrics and natural colors of Hawaii.  She lived there in the 1940’s with her husband and owned her own shop.  She moved to New York in the late 40’s and began designing for Forman. She formed her own company, Tina Leser Originals, in the early 50’s.  Her earlier dresses, like this one, were often custom designs for particular customers.  A friend of mine knew her and told me about a rooster dress that her mother had commissioned Tina to make in the 50’s.  She is often associated with her mid century swimwear, and is credited with the design of the 50’s cigarette legged pants.  This particular dress is hand painted with fish and has a halter style strap.  I haven’t cleaned it, as I usually do, so it does have a 2” yellowish spot that is 4” below the waist and another 2” faint yellow spot in the back.  There are 6 buttons down the back of the dress and two that connect to halter strap to the dress.  It came from one of the estates I bought and is truly a collectible piece and is signed, Reef, Tina Leser.

Bust:         34”
Waist:        27”
Hips:         41”
Length:      34” from center back
Length:      29” from waist to bottom

$895

(002020)

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Click HERE to see other vintage clothing designed by Tina Leser