Did you know that the Vera brand was begun in 1946 using a small silk screening machine to print designs onto linen placemats? After WWII, the surplus silk from parachutes was available at low cost so the brand began buying silk fabric and soon began a scarf business. The "vera" trademark was first used in 1947. By the 1950s the scarf business was thriving and they had launched an overseas manufacturing facility in Japan. In the 1960s a clothing line was added to extend the brand beyond scarves and linens.Yet another interesting fact, Perry Ellis went to work for the brand in 1974 as a merchandiser and today has his own brand. Vera, the woman behind the brand, worked almost until her death in 1993 and today the trademark scarf brand is owned by The Vera Company in Atlanta, Georgia.
Vera scarves are fairly easy to place a rough date on, as there were some pretty obvious changes in her signature through the years. Just be aware that are exceptions. I have seen the ladybug symbol on scarves as late as 1975.1947 - early 50s: The earliest scarves were signed vera in a very small print.
Mid 50s-60s: The ladybug symbol and copyright symbol (added 1959) were added to the Vera. Into the 1960s, the Vera became capitalized and it became larger.
Mid to late 60s: The ladybug was used less and less, and the signature got larger.
70s-80s: The Vera signature continued to get larger and bolder. There was usually no ladybug symbol.
Post 1993: After Vera's death the company went back to the small vera.
The earlier pieces from the mid 1960s will often have 100% Cotton, or 100% Silk on the label. Also, the earlier pieces have the ladybug logo, and Vera printed on it, usually in the lower left corner. The fabric is constructed to fit the garment, and the design continues unbroken across the front of the garment.
It is rumored the Vera used a trademark ladybug as a symbol for good luck.....However you choose to wear your Vera, wear it with class and luck!
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