Designer Profile - Averardo Bessi

Recently, a client came into the store with some amazing vintage dresses. She was a professional organizer and had been assisting a client to clear the clutter from her home. When we saw the dresses, we knew we had something special to offer our clients, with the designs of these dresses very similar to early Emilio Pucci. Who was Bessi? That's when I decided to find out as much as I could about Averardo Bessi. Unfortunately, there is not a lot out of historical information about him. But from what I could ascertain, his dresses were all the rage at Saks 5th Avenue through the 60-70's.

Averardo Bessi was a designer who created his fashion house for men and women in the 1950's after post World War II. The highly sought after vintage label flourished more in the women's fashion world  and his collection for women was first presented in 1968 to American, high-end department stores such as Bonwit Teller, Bloomingdales, Bergdorfs and Saks Fifth Avenue.

At the time he wanted to create a contemporary look for women to enhance their femininity through sleek designs. His silk and wool knits, inspired by traditional Florentine techniques and Italian fine craftsmanship were noticed by women of sophisticated taste. The colorful and bold signature prints became in demand by women and carried a strong fashion statement of the modern woman.

Averardo Bessi had always been immersed into the fashion world and had his vision, “I started at a very early age, working in a fashion atelier. My objective was designing and creating clothing for women, as well as men.”

His designs reflect the trends of the moment often reminiscent of Emilio Pucci and Jacques Leonard with bold prints and sleek designs that flatter the female figure instead of covering it up.

Although we know very little about this designer, his designs from the past are spectacular and timeless as women today still collect and wear his beautiful, crafted clothing. This designers continued popularity has sparked a rebirth of the Bessi label and is currently being produced in Italy, carrying his name and hallmark designs in updated silhouettes. You may find the current line at http://www.averardobessi.it/.

Luckily for our customers, we have these beautiful, vintage dresses for sale online and in our store. Below is a few of the dresses in our collection.

Averardo Bessi 60's Italian Silk Dress, Size 10 - Shop it Now

Averardo Bessi Dress for Saks 5th Avenue, Size 10 - Shop it Now

Averardo Bessi Dress Mod Print Dress, Size 10 - Shop it Now

Averardo Bessi Silk 60's Hostess Dress, Size 8 - Shop it Now

If you would like to see the rest of our dresses shop here or stop by the boutique in Chicago.

Until next time. Ciao for now.

XXOO,

Christine Sanderson – Owner of Le Thrift Consignment