Rare VTG 1968 Donald Brooks \"Star\" Collection Rayon Crepe 3-Piece Hostess Set For Sale

Ultra-rare and highly collectible Autumn/Winter 1968–1969 three-piece rayon crepe palazzo hostess set \"Evening Pajamas\"by the legendary, three-time Oscar-nominated American designerDonald Brooks for Saks Fifth Avenue
This iconic ensemble is from his highly documented commercial collection heavily tied to the visual aesthetic and costume design of the 1968 cinematic musicalStar!starring Dame Julie Andrews. A true piece of fashion history, this exact graphic, op-art print was famously modeled by groundbreaking supermodelNaomi Simsin 1968 and is also part of the collection at the MET in New York.

This ensemble, featuring a diamond bracelet print, a tailored tunic-style top with a high boat neckline and long sleeves. The neckline and sleeve cuffs are lavishly embellished with densely arranged,metal-framed crystal glass rhinestones, and a coordinated button closure on the front, covered with the same fabric. These pants are spectacular! They are ultra-dramatic, voluminous palazzo pants with a wide leg, heavily gathered at the waist to mimic the flowing movement of a wide maxi skirt when worn. They feature classic vintage hook-and-eye closures at the back over a concealed zipper and are fully lined. The matching wide belt, which reflects the exact same style, completes this gorgeous ensemble.

About the Designer:Starting in the early 1960s, DONALD BROOKS was a prominent figure in American fashion and was also designing costumes for the theater, television, and the movies. He did the designs for three films;The Cardinal(1963),Star!(1968),Darling Lili(1970),for which he was nominated for an Academy Award for Costume Design each time. His designs for the film were dramatic, beautiful and many times over the top. Many of them featured one of his trademark signatures with the opulent use of oversized tones and beadwork. He designed more than 3,500 costumes for the film.
Era:Autumn/Winter 1968–1969
Material:RayonCrepe(not labeled, see photo of originalSaks Fifth Avenueadvertisement), Glass and MetalThe Pattern:A striking, high-contrastOp-Art geometric chain-and-circle matrixprinted on an off-white/cream backdrop.
Pieces Included:Tailored tunic/overskirt, fluid wide-leg palazzo trousers, and the matching wide structured belt.Weight of the Ensemble: 3.4lb
Size: Tagged Size 10,Modern US 2 / 4 (XS to Small)Note: Vintage sizing runs significantly smaller than modern clothing. Please rely strictly on the flat-laid measurements below to ensure a proper fit, as there is no stretch to this premium silk crepe fabric.Estimated Measurements:

Tunic Top

Bust: 35”

Waist: 29”

Pants

Waist: 26”

Inseam: 26”

Width of one leg flare (25”) 50”

Waist to crotch: 15”

Belt

Length: 28 ½”

Width: 3”

Condition: This museum-quality set is in VeryGood Vintage Conditionwith some age-related wear.

Tunic Condition: About 12 Rhinestones are missing, incl. Cuffs and very few are twisted but still attached. No noticeable bare spots.One button is missing from the cuff. One fabric button on the tunic has loosened and needs to be sewn back into place. Some slight stains on the sleeves, cuff lining and neckline lining.Pants Condition:There is one distinct yellow stain on the right pant leg.Belt Condition:The original, richly decorated, matching belt is in very good condition. The dense, geometric rows of crystal rhinestones are intact; only a few rhinestones are missing (about 8) and very few are twisted but still attached. No noticeable bare spots.Fabric/Coloring:It shows some light, localized yellowing/discoloration on areas of the sleeves due to natural aging.
Note: The piece has been kept in its authentic, unaltered vintage state. We have not attempted to professionally dry clean or spot-treat the silk crepe to preserve its integrity for the buyer.