John Bates (1938-2022) was possibly one of the greatest forgotten talents of the 1960s and 1970s. With no formal training, he took an apprenticeship at London couturier Herbert Sidon in the late 1950s. He was asked to start the Jean Varon label in 1960. “I called it Jean Varon because at the time an English name like John Bates meant nothing, you had to appear to be French. Jean is French for John and Varon because there was no ‘V’ in the rag trade book. 

Information courtesy of The Vintage Fashion Guild”

This gem by Jean Varon, one of the rare pieces from the 1980s. This two piece is 100% wool and the skirt is beautifully flared. Really stylish and for the petite woman.

Measurements laid flat

Jacket:

Sleeve underarm 45cm

Waist 34cm

Length 53cm

Skirt:

Waist 32cm

Length 74cm