Demure Miss Muir

Having gained a reputation for simple, classic clothing defined by exquisite cut and detail, it is, perhaps, hardly surprising to learn that Jean Muir started honing her eye for design as a sketcher for Liberty of London in the Fifties.

While the Sixties youth-quake dominated British fashion, Muir's pared-down styles in luxury fabrics in dark or muted tones appealed to sophisticated women looking to define a new, classically sexy look all of their own.

Muir's own style — severe black bob and pale skin, offset by a slash of red lipstick — hinted at the intelligent, elegant customer to whom her timeless clothing appealed.