A rare vintage peignoir & nightgown set by Merle Norman cosmetic company which started in 1931 by Jack Nethercutt. His aunt had a small cosmetic company and he quit college to join his aunt in business. They started the Merle Norman cosmetic company which later grew into over $100 million dollars in sales. I have used their cosmetics since the ‘60s & never had any idea that they ever manufactured lingerie items.
This lovely rare set is in a lemony shade with white tulle with lemon & moss roses & leaves. It was hard to photograph but the photos of the closeups are closer to the actual shade.
The peignoir is out of 1 layer of sheer nylon with a fabulous grand sweep of 293“or nearly 24-½ feet which is the largest sweep that I have ever seen in a peignoir in all these years of selling vintage peignoir sets. There are 2 huge fully cut bias inserts which is never seen in other sets to give it the gigantic sweep.
There are 3 covered buttons with a snap for closure. The sleeves are out of sheer tulle with yellow and green roses scattered over them. There is a tiny white miniature lace hem.
The nightgown is just as beautiful with 2 layers. The top layer is soft white tulle with the roses on it just like the sleeves on the peignoir. There are double looped sheer nylon straps. A fabulous ruched bodice out of double nylon with the yellow & green roses design repeated in the lace above & below the bust line. There is a bit of elastic under the empire-style bust.
The full skirt is white tulle with the same roses design over slinky yellow nylon for a fabulous look. An absolutely beautiful and so rare peignoir and nightgown set Merle Norman.
By: Merle Norman
Size: Petite & will fit a Size Small as well but go by the measurements for a good fit
Approximate Measurements – The measurements of the item listed – not of your own figure. You must be a few inches smaller than the measurements shown.
Peignoir
Bust: all the way around 47
Length: 54
Nightgown
Bust: 30 - 35 stretched tight
Under bust: 26 - 29 stretched tight
Length: 53-1/4
Fabric: Nylon
Care: Hand wash & dry drip as with any other vintage peignoir set
Condition: Very good - some tiny picks which get lost in the voluminous skirt of the peignoir
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Care Instructions
We examine each item carefully and note any imperfections, but unless an item is said to be new, please don't expect it to be perfect & even some new items have small imperfections. I will always state in the description if there are any imperfections & I never do repairs but leave them to others who are better able to do them than me as that is not my expertise.
Please remember that unless specified all items have been used and will show varying signs of use or wear. We always list the obvious imperfections to the best of our abilities. However, some slight imperfections that will not show or affect wearing or using the item may slip by or not be considered worth mentioning.
Vintage nightgowns & peignoirs may be delicate so I do not wash them in the machine. I wash them in lukewarm water with Woolite or some other mild soap, then rinse & hang dripping wet in the shower.
Since these are vintage items, a bit of extra care needs to be taken with them so they remain beautiful & I definitely would never put a vintage nightgown or a peignoir in the dryer as it would ruin it.
The items are sold as we find them. We do not dry clean, launder, alter or repair vintage clothing and they should be cleaned or washed upon arrival. Please make your selection carefully & check the measurements as there is no return on clothing or other items.
