AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a mid-century vintage Lilli Ann blazer crafted from a high-quality navy blue wool. The garment demonstrates the exceptional tailoring characteristic of the 1950s New Look aesthetic, featuring an hourglass silhouette achieved through structural vertical darts and padded shoulders. The design is anchored by a shawl collar trimmed with red and white piping, which extends down an asymmetrical scalloped front closure secured by four fabric-covered buttons. A highlight of the piece is the 'Atomic Star' or four-point starburst embroidery found on the upper left chest and lower right hip, rendered in red and cream. The white piping continues onto the cuffed sleeves, adding a sharp, nautical-inspired contrast. Inside, the original Lilli Ann label is visible along the nape of the neck against a champagne-colored silk or rayon lining. The craftsmanship is superb, with precise stitching and weighted hems. The condition is described as near-perfect, showing no visible moth damage, fading, or fraying of the delicate piping, which is often a vulnerability in sets of this age. This piece represents the high-end ready-to-wear luxury of the San Francisco-based fashion house during its peak era.

Based on my visual examination of this mid-century garment, I find it to be a quintessential example of Lilli Ann's 1950s 'Golden Era' tailoring. The navy blue wool body is exceptionally well-preserved, showing no evidence of common age-related defects such as moth tracking or UV fading. The presence of the authentic Lilli Ann woven label and the characteristic quality of the asymmetrical scalloped closure strongly suggest this is an original piece from the San Francisco-based fashion house. The 'Atomic Star' embroidery remains crisp, with no tension pulls in the needlework, while the white and red piping—a high-wear area—appears remarkably intact. Lilli Ann pieces command a significant premium in the vintage market due to their superior construction. Comparable blazers with unique atomic-era detailing typically hammer at auction or retail between $800 and $1,200 depending on color rarity and size. The 'near-perfect' condition of this specimen places it in the top tier of desirability. The market for mid-century modern fashion remains robust, particularly for items that feature high-contrast graphic elements like the starbursts seen here. Note: This appraisal is based on photographic evidence alone. While the construction details are consistent with period-correct luxury ready-to-wear, a full authentication requires a physical inspection to confirm fiber content, internal canvas structure, and the presence of any professional restorations. To definitive verify provenance, I would recommend a UV light inspection to check for hidden repairs and an examination of the seam allowances for original factory serging. The lack of accompanying documentation or original sales receipt necessitates that this valuation be considered an estimate for insurance or retail placement.