Top Vintage Designers No:2 FRANK USHER

Hello all!

Welcome to second post in this 4-part mini series on my favourite vintage designers. In order they are:

1. Bob Mackie – Extravagant Glamour

2. Frank Usher – Elegance

3. Mary Quant – Innovation

4. Biba – Reinvention

Frank  Usher was a UK/London WWII startup company and has since managed to retain it’s reputation as a ‘go to’ brand for elegance and beautiful timeless design for any fashionable event in a woman’s life from evening parties to weddings. 

They are known for their longline, flowing designs in flowing and ‘feminine’ fabrics which are flattering to all as well as their sequin/embroidered/beaded pieces and sometimes they combined the two. They also set a high standard in bridal fashion not just for the bride as they specialise in ‘mother of the bride’/church suit styles which are always gorgeously shaped and well cut in comparison to many work/off the shelf suits, they are definitely not boring.

Another thing I love about vintage Frank Usher is that wherever I’ve come them, be it vintage markets, shops or online e.g. eBay, is that they’ve always been affordable for small budgets. I’ve come across so many beauties for £25-50 and they’ve survived in very good to perfect condition so with care they will continue to last. However, in my experience I’ve found that they didn’t really cater to smaller sizes in height or weight so it’s harder to find those but there are some and they don’t disappoint.  That is good news for medium to big sizes though as they can benefit from the fine pieces available and of course the items can be tailored for even better fit.

Zurburbia.com - Chiffon Print Gown

Samayalingvintage.com - Satin Gown

Seller Milly-Jo on eBay - Pink Rose Chiffon Pleated Dress

Seller Milly-Jo eBay - Salmon Pink Wedding Suit

Seller Applebyvintage eBay - Fuschia Pink Flower Style Wrap Jacket

Candysays.co.uk - White Grecian Drape Gown

Seller Cherrypickedvintagedresses eBay - Black with White Trim Layered Dress

pennysaid.blogspot.com - Black Chiffon Gown

Merchantarchive.com - Black White Floral Dress with Bow

Emmapeelpants.blogspot.com - Green Ruched Sash Gown

Styledispensary.com - Pink Chiffon Dress

Marthascloset.co.uk - Kaftan/Kimono Style Floral Drape Dress

TheCherryCloset shop at Flickr - Black Chiffon Jumpsuit with Gold Sequins

It’s quite common to come across the retro sequin/beaded jackets and tops from Frank Usher like the ones below, I’ve never been too keen on them but they are impressive:

Sharonrosepixie.blogspot.com - Sequin Bead Jacket

Theelectricgypsy.com - Purple Sequin Top