Description
Rare Tina Leser Hand Painted Original Vintage Dress
Cotton pique 1940s vintage dress hand-painted by designer Tina Leser. Very rare and very hard to find, the hand painted Tina Leser garments are found usually in museums. Tina Leser was inspired by the fabrics and natural colors of Hawaii. She lived there in the 1940’s with her husband and owned her own shop. She moved to New York in the late 40’s and began designing for Forman. She formed her own company, Tina Leser Originals, in the early 50’s. Her earlier dresses, like this one, were often custom designs for particular customers. A friend of mine knew her and told me about a rooster dress that her mother had commissioned Tina to make for in the 50’s. She is often associated with her mid century swimwear, and is credited with the design of the 50’s cigarette legged pants.
This particular dress is hand painted with fish and has a halter style strap that is removable. There are 6 buttons down the back of the dress and two that connect to halter strap to the dress. It came from one of the estates we acquired of more collectible vintage mid century clothing and this one is truly a piece of fashion art; signed Tina Leser "Reef". We also sold a hand painted Tina Leser circus blouse on our site!
We estimate this would best fit a modern size 4.
| Bust | 34" |
| Waist | 27" |
| Hips | 41" |
| Length from the center of the top back of bodice | 34" |
| Length from waist | 29" |
| Condition | Excellent |
In order to best determine fit, measure yourself or a garment of a similar style that fits you well. Compare those measurements to those on the item description.
All of our pieces have been professionally cleaned and arrive ready to wear.
Measuring & Fit Guide
We offer a large selection of designers and manufacturers that span the 20th and early 21st century. Sizing varies greatly, so we have outlined our measuring and size estimating process.
The best way to know if a vintage item will fit you is to take a garment that fits you well, similar to the one you are interested in purchasing, and measure it the way we measure ours.
We lay all garments flat and measure as follows*:
| DRESSES | PANTS | |
|
BUST - under arm to under arm across the front and then double that measurement. |
Measure the WAISTBAND, widest part of the HIPS, widest part of the THIGH on one leg and width of the CUFF, then double those measurements |
|
|
WAIST - find the smallest part of the garment if there isn't an obvious seam for the waist and measure across and then double that measurement. |
LENGTH - Measure from the top of the waistband to the bottom of the cuff along the side seam. | |
| HIPS - Find the largest part of the hip area and measure flat, then double that measurement. | RISE - Measure from the crotch to the top of the waistband. | |
| LENGTH - from the nape of the neck or the top of the shoulders, depending on the style of garment. We will measure to the waist when applicable, so that you can determine if it will fit your torso, and then a waist down measurement. | INSEAM - Measure from the crotch to the bottom of the cuff along the inside seam. | |
|
SLEEVES - measure from the top of the shoulder seam to the end of the sleeve. When we think that the arm opening is particularly small, we will provide that measurement as well.** |
*Fabrics with stretch will have some give, we will try to mention the range of measurements that will fit comfortably.
**With dolman sleeves, the size is an estimation based on the waist as the body seamlessly joins the sleeve. 
Feel free to email us with specific questions about specific measurements that we may not have included that you need to know in order to feel confident about your purchase. If you have a particularly long torso, short legs, long arms, etc.. we can help you determine whether or not a garment will work for your body.
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Measurements, not size. View our Measuring Guide
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Description
Rare Tina Leser Hand Painted Original Vintage Dress
Cotton pique 1940s vintage dress hand-painted by designer Tina Leser. Very rare and very hard to find, the hand painted Tina Leser garments are found usually in museums. Tina Leser was inspired by the fabrics and natural colors of Hawaii. She lived there in the 1940’s with her husband and owned her own shop. She moved to New York in the late 40’s and began designing for Forman. She formed her own company, Tina Leser Originals, in the early 50’s. Her earlier dresses, like this one, were often custom designs for particular customers. A friend of mine knew her and told me about a rooster dress that her mother had commissioned Tina to make for in the 50’s. She is often associated with her mid century swimwear, and is credited with the design of the 50’s cigarette legged pants.
This particular dress is hand painted with fish and has a halter style strap that is removable. There are 6 buttons down the back of the dress and two that connect to halter strap to the dress. It came from one of the estates we acquired of more collectible vintage mid century clothing and this one is truly a piece of fashion art; signed Tina Leser "Reef". We also sold a hand painted Tina Leser circus blouse on our site!
We estimate this would best fit a modern size 4.
| Bust | 34" |
| Waist | 27" |
| Hips | 41" |
| Length from the center of the top back of bodice | 34" |
| Length from waist | 29" |
| Condition | Excellent |
In order to best determine fit, measure yourself or a garment of a similar style that fits you well. Compare those measurements to those on the item description.
Complete the look
Vintage Jewelry Makes the Perfect Finishing Touch
Complete the look
Vintage belts tie it all together