John Redfern ~ 1853-1929
Biography of John Redfern, fashion designer
Adjusting his design 1910 Workroom
He became John Redfern, but was born Charles Poynter in England, and lived and worked in Cowes on the Isle of Wight in a drapers business. It is probable the original drapers were called Redfern, while he continued trading under this established name. He was known by this name thereafter. He employed extremely attractive sales assistants to promote his fashions and they became known as the “Redferns Bunnies”. His Tailoring section was directed to the market generated by the famous Cowes week held every August.
1881 – He established a business in London which was managed by his son Ernest and he looked after the Paris Branch. Then following on with branches in Edinburgh, Scotland, and New York. It is also known that in 1881 he designed a costume for the famous Lilly Langtry, the Mistress of the Prince of Wales.
By 1885 ~ Redfern was producing yachting, riding, and travelling suits. By 1888 ~ he was officially appointed dressmaker to Queen Victoria. Royal Courts of Europe sort his expertise. The Empress of Russia was another Client. (READ 1889 Scandal Report bottom of Page!)
1903 This advert is an authentication of his address at his establishment in Paris. The address is 242, rue de Rivoli. It is for Robes de Bal, Diner & Soirees. This section was from a full page display of all different sorts of advertisements for ladies of the time. An extremely rare find!
1903 Rare Advert 4, rue de Rivoli, Paris
This photo is taken of the dress designed for the event of the Coronation in Britain of Queen ALEXANDRA & EDWARD VII – dated 26th June 1902. It was quoted “The dress was designed for PRINCESS E’TRANGERE”. The Description is:- “Court gown in gold and pearl tulle. Mantle in gold tulle, richly embroidered and lined in cloth of gold. Two flounces with Alencon lace application. Shoulder band held with diamond buckle and the waist held a large bunch of old roses”.
For a Royal Wedding Guest
1902 – Femina Journal shows black lace gowns in high fashion demand.
Early designs with lots of lace
See Latest photo find! dated 1905 !! bottom of page. 1906 – Samples of Black Lace styles. (Left design) – A White robe with – Batiste de fil avec Application Dentelle Venise. Composition – Jupe et Corsage Brodes en forme. (Right design) – Robe Chantilly noir, application fleur Taffetas et dentelle Renaissance. Composition – Jupe et Corsage Brodes en forme.
Black lace styles of the era 1906
This illustration is one of the finest Haut Couture examples by John Redfern, it incorporates actual hand stitching, showing down the front panels of this really elegant design. The sleeves have the most magnificent layered look, with velvet and fine embroidery. This was used for the front cover of the journal La Mode Illustree in 1907.
Simply the best gown designed by John Redfern!
La Mode Ilustree – 1907. Dress description “Toilet for Casino” design by John Redfern. A dazzling white wonder with elaborate black trimmings.
Exquisite Design by John Redfern
1907 – Elegance in the rose garden.
1907 The rose garden gown
John Redfern 1907
He was also known to have popularised the high waisted Grecian style gowns of 1908. 1911 – A black and white photo.
Luxury Lace Newly added images May 2012
La Femme Chic - Lace evening gown
Below is the back view of this high waisted lace gown.
Enlarged back view of lace gown
Stylish Elegance Model Kate…..
Model Kate
Back View of above design.
Enlarged back view of above dress
Walking by the sea and taking in the breeze!
Day Dress
Inlaid Lace designs with bonnet to match.
1912 – This was a very faded photo and the colours have been strengthened as much as possible. An evening dinner dress for a young lady.
1912 – An elegant robe and hat with the French text description.
1912 – An elegant lady
1912 French text robe description.
1912 Detailed gown text
This is a very rare photogaph by Felix H. Man one of the greatest photogaphers of the 20th century his dates are 1893-1985. He was studying art between 1912-1914.
La Mode Illustree – White Rose Garden
In 1916 ~ John Redfern created the first female uniform for the Red Cross Society. This Rare Fashion Photograph is also by Felix H.Man.
Rare gown – Rare photo!
John Redfern - Photo by Felix
1918 – John Redfern’s signature is in this image.
Signature for John Redfern 1918
Adverts forRedfern perfumes.
1931 Perfume advert
Advert for perfume
Advert for perfume by John Redfern
SCANDAL Reported in American Press 1892.
CAUGHT A COSTUME SMUGGLER.
One of REDFERN’S AGENTS compelled to make a Confession. “Matihilde Sabail, a Frenchwoman in the employ of Redfern, was taken to the Custom House yesterday under arrest on a charge of SMUGGLING! She arrived in the city of New York.
Her trunks contained very valuable dresses of the latest fashions. One of them was removed to the Public Stores for examination and she went to the Hotel Martin. After a few days the trunk was passed by the appraisers upon her affidavit that she was a wealthy woman travelling for pleasure and that she had come to visit the World’s Fair, and the trunk was delivered at her hotel.
The same day she sent it to Redfern’s on Fifth Avenue, where the dresses in it were put on sale. She also took up her own residence there and appeared to be connected with the establishment.
A report of this performance reached the Custom House, and Col. Traitteur, Special Inspector, was put upon the case. Her arrest was made through him.
When she was taken to the Custom House yesterday and confronted with the proofs against her, she MADE A FULL CONFESSION! She said “Redfern had given her £55 with which to pay the duties in case she could not get the goods through”. Although she did not directly admit it, it was understood that she had taken this money simply for protection, and in case she had to deliver it over to the customs authorities it would be deducted from her salary. She said she had returned the money as soon as she delivered the goods at Redfern’s and this statement was verified.
The customs officials believe that shortly she would have gone back to Europe had she escaped detection, and would have soon reappeared with other gowns from the same establishment in hope of again passing the customs barriers. They say that there are many women engaged in this kind of speculation, and that some of them succeed remarkably well, although detection ultimately is apt to result”. The case of the Sabail woman was turned over to a United States commissioner.
Redfern’s business was closed during the 1920s.
Fashion House Label – London
Latest rare photo find!! 1905, and colourful new illustrations from Gazette Bon Ton.
Rare photo 1905
De La Pomme Aux Levres
Walking through a Perfumed Rose Garden.
Parmi Les Roses
Our Latest image found. July 2012…. Still going strong in 1924. This image was printed in L’Illustration.
Creations Redfern
Gown description
Above, the text description reads: Madame La Comtess de B.cdel.e.re. porte une robe de crepe satin noir, brodee or, et rouge. Chapeau noir avec plume rouge.
(Black crepe satin with embroidery of gold and red. A Black hat with a red plume).
242, rue Rivoli, Paris.