Monday, March 9, 2015

Gunne Sax: old fashioned charm

When you look up Gunne Sax dresses today (most often found on Ebay or Etsy), they are often described as Renaissance, Victorian, peasant or Boho. It seems that they're a little bit of everything. Maybe it's because my mother had many lovely Gunne Sax dresses, but I grew up thinking they were the personification of romance and beauty.

Gunne Sax dresses began in the late 1960s. Their hey-day seemed to be the 1970s, though they were made later than that. Jessica McClintock, who took over the company in the early 70s still has a company to this day.

Look at this lovely brown, floral dress!

A very interesting frock with loose sleeves.

This isn't for Gunne Sax, but reflects that old-fashioned peasanty look that was popular in the 1970s

Another advert from the 70s reflecting the taste in long, old-fashioned inspired dresses.


My niece wearing one of my mum's old Gunne Sax dress. You can't see the entire thing, but you get the idea that it's lovely and romantic. After all, she is astride a horse! 

A lace-up bodice! Ooh! How romantic!

Like any look, this one might be easy to over-do, but I think it can be really lovely and fashionable, even by today's standards. The popularity of vintage Gunne Sax dresses, and the prices they go for is a testimony to their lasting charm.