Sleeveless Ivory Beautifully Embellished 1950s / 1960s Beaded selling Knit Shell (SKU 10607CL)

1950s/1960s Sleeveless ivory stretch shell/sweater in 100% Helenca Nylon. . Collar of silver and gold metallic thread, lovely faux pearls, marquise cut clear rhinestones and round faceted gold rhinestones.embellished neckline with back zipper. Armhole is teardrop opening. So cute. Lightly banded at waistline. Marked "WPL 10784" on label.

This top packs such a punch and represents an important moment in US history--the return of nylon and other synthetic materials to non war-time use. There are also some interesting clues on its label. As best I can tell "Maineliner" was manufactured by Globe Knitwear on Arch Street in Philadelphia. Of course Philadelphia is renowned for its "Main Line" --the residential neighborhood associated with the scions of industry. So I wonder if "Maineliner" was really meant to refer to "Mainliners" instead, suggesting the luxury and wealth of that community. Finally, I found an ad in life magazine that referred to "Helanca yarn--the fabric that made 'stretch socks' possible." which kinda cracked me up. Helanca Nylon is still in use today.

Brand/Designer: Maineliner/Globe Knitwear

Marked Size: Unmarked. (see dimensions)
**Please check the measurements provided below before purchasing. Vintage clothing sizes often fit much smaller than modern sizes.**
Dimensions (clothing is measured flat and unstretched):
* Bust: 15.5” (doubled = 31")
* Waist: 16" (doubled = 32")
* Hips: 16" (doubled = 32")
* Length: 24"
* Other: Sleeveless

Period/Year: 1950s/60s

Origin: Unmarked. Likely Made in USA (Philadelphia, PA)

Condition: Excellent. Unbelievable, really. No pulls or anything!

Color: White/Off white

Fabric/Material: 100% Nylon

Disclaimers:
* Lipstick Girl Vintage (LGV) is a smoke-free, pet-friendly environment. Garments and other items are handled and stored in a pet-free, restricted area, however there is a potential for exposure. Due to the age of the items, LGV cannot guarantee against any previous contact with smoke or other allergens.
* All items are vintage and pre-owned. We disclose any flaws we find, however, it is possible that a flaw has been accidentally overlooked. We will offer a refund only if an item has been largely misrepresented.
* Please note that Lipstick Girl Vintage regularly sells items of historical significance, and, from selling time to time, some of these items might be considered controversial in nature. Lipstick Girl Vintage endeavors to offer these items for sale as sensitively as possible, by trying to balance our abhorrence for cruelty and respect for the important historic nature of many of these garments. What we wear, and how that has changed over time, is part of our story.