Van Raalte Tiger Stripes

TIGRESS!

This Seller posted this fabulous set on the Ebay Vintage Clothing and Accessories Board to try to narrow down the date. It's a silky 60s nylon bra and panty Tigress set from Van Raalte, 34B, M and currently on auction on Ebay by TheShopping Mom2 Even better it is new old stock with tags!

Front label of bra. Note is has the script style front that was in use sometime after 1962

Back label of bra. Note is says Antron, not Antron III

Front label of panties

Back label of panties

Tags had to be removed to ensure no damage was caused by the pins.

The only other similar item I could find was this sexy tiger slip (Size 32) available from Paisley Babylon This slip has a similar tag as the set above and is probably from the same collection. If anyone has a copy of the advertisement please contact me, I'd love to see it!

XOXO Empress Jade Vintage

70s & 80s Nightgowns

During this period the nightgowns were often in bright colors in lovely glossy nylon. Elegant and simple slip style gowns with lace insertions and floor length sweeping hems.

This stunning example from CatBooks1940s. 70s Keyhole in raspberry red.

Late 70s, early 80s nightgown in lovely glossy peach nylon, very much in the Olga tradition. Courtesy of Pinup Dresses.




A long slip style gown in an unusual shade of mauve rose that I recently sold. The tag is pretty faded. Made in Canada. 100% nylon. Dates to 70s.




XOXO Empress Jade Vintage

MOD Cut Out Gloves

These are so cute and I've never seen anything like them. Adorable thumbless Van Raalte gloves in white and red nylon with perky red daisy accents. Photos sent to me by an Ebay seller patlinnea who was trying to ID them. Based on the tag font ( used after 1962 or so) , and mod styling I would say these are 1960s gloves. These gloves are currently up for auction on Ebay.

XOXO Empress Jade Vintage

Van Raalte of Canada

Since I live in Canada, I occasionally come across a Van Raalte piece that says Made in Canada on the label. Up until now every piece has been a relatively recent, 70s or 80s nightgown or peignoir set, but yesterday I found a 60s slip with a different Made in Canada tag.


I've actually been questioned by a customer as to whether this is the same Van Raalte company, so I did a trademark search on the Canada CIPO website:

VAN RAALTE COMPANY, INC.417 Fifth AvenueNew York, New York UNITED STATES OF AMERICA filed for the trademark "Van Raalte" in Canada on 1945-01-29 (claimed first use of trademark in Canada 1935). As of 1995 the trademark is registered to owner Warnaco U.S., Inc.and is still active (as far as I know it is no longer in use).

Van Raalte Buildings

Niagara Silk Mill postcard 1928. From 1898-1918 the building at 84 Sweeney Street was known as Niagara Silk Mills; from 1918 to March 8, 1963 operated by the Van Raalte Co. Old North Tonawanda. From Agenbyte on Flicker

Van Raalte Offices 1960s Main Street between 4th and Lincoln Ave - photo from Tim Donnelly Places I remember - Dunkirk

Van Raalte Mill - Saratoga Springs. Saratoga.com

Van Raalte Night Cap???

Who knew Van Raalte made night caps?? I sure didn't. This blue and white gingham cap is new with tags dating it to 1965. Courtesy of Grainger Station on Ebay.

A Note

This blog was really intended to be a reference guide rather than a true daily weblog; what this means is that posts are sporadic as I add new information when it comes up in my research. If you are interested in Van Raalte Lingerie I recommend that you follow this blog and you will be notified of any updates. I just added the "Follow This Blog" gizmo at the top right. Please contact me if you have any new information about this company's history or have any unique items that you would like to share. If you or a member of your family worked for Van Raalte I would really love to hear your stories! Finally, if you notice any errors in this info guide please let me know.

XOXO Empress Jade Vintage.