Monday, May 24, 2010

Van Raalte Coolies


This is a simple sheer nylon nightgown with a pretty diamond shaped weave in the fabric and shirred elastic waist.  But what makes this interesting is the tag:  I've never seen this label before. The old blocky V font indicates this is made before approx 1962.  This is currently on Ebay auction by Smoothjazz57 and comes from an Estate of a former Van Raalte employee.  

I could locate no trademark for "coolies" by Van Raalte

A search through newspaper archives found 2 ads in 1938 and 1940 respectively where Van Raalte use the word "coolies"; not for a specitic line of lingerie but refering to any very light and sheer summer weight rayon fabric.  Since this gown is nylon it has to be post WWII at the very earliest,  but judging from the style is likely late 50s to very early 60s.

2 comments:

Graceful Antiques and Vintage Collectibles said...

that is funny. coolies. looks cool. nice for hot Summer nights.

Jeans - Alburt said...

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