Thea Porter

In the mid sixties Thea Porter opened "Thea Porter Decorations" in Soho London selling fabrics, caftans, carpets, pillows and other exotic goods. She soon started to design and produce the items herself due to overwhelming demand.

She became a favourite of many celebrities, including Andrew Loog Oldham and Brian Jones.

"The Thea Porter clothing was wonderful. I had some myself, but had to be careful, I couldn't carry it off the way Brian could. I don't know of what age you are and therefore whether you've ever held a Thea Porter garment in your hands, or worn it, but her work and detail was absolutely exquisite, way beyond the dry cleaning skills of the day. The only way I could give mine a decent life was to check into a good hotel and have my Porter garb attended to there."
- Andrew Loog Oldham

Her clothes were featured in The Beatles "Magical Mystery Tour" album sleeve along with Pink Floyd's "Piper at the Gates of Dawn."

Although the store was in Britain her clothes were well sought after all over the world. In 1968 a boutique was opened in New York followed by an outlet in Paris six years later.

I am not sure exactly when it was that Thea Porter closed her boutiques, if I find the information I will definitely post it.

Porter’s clothes had a bohemian look, using ethnic fabrics and designs.

60's Bohemian Dress, must inquire for price
http://www.c20vintagefashion.co.uk/

1970's silk chiffon, brocade and velvet dress

(courtesy of the V & A museum)

The three above images are all from the July 1969 issue of vogue and feature the clothes of Thea Porter. They were photographed by Norman Parkinson and shot in Wales.
(courtesy of Elizabeth Eggleston of http://www.vintage-a-peel.co.uk/)