Advance 5480. Is a 1950s playsuit pattern really worth $255?

 I collect vintage patterns. In fact, I am obsessed with them. Everyday I check Ebay and Etsy hunting for them. A few times I have gone crazy and paid what I think to be boo-koo crazy money for a few rare ones. But sometimes I see vintage patterns going for down right silly amounts of money on Ebay.


Case in fact: Advance 5480.

This little gem went for $255 bucks on Ebay.

Let me repeat that: TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY FIVE BUCKS.

I wouldn't pay that much for an already made Shaheen or Kamehameha playsuit. Don't get me wrong, I understand the crazy that happens when something-much-desired is on Ebay and you know you are going to be in a bidding war. But when do you draw the line? Is this pattern fabulous? YES!! Is it rare? HECK YES!! But is it worth $255? Someone obviously thought so.

According to the pattern envelope this was designed by costume designer Michael Woulfe for the actress Janet Lee for the 1957 movie 'Jet Pilot' also starring John Wayne. So I wonder, it is the style of the actual playsuit that got someone all hot and bothered to spend that much or the designer of the pattern? I've actually never heard of Michael Woulfe but the design is fabulous.

A quick google brought up some info about Mr. Woulfe. According to his bio he was one of the youngest costume designers to be under contract for a Hollywood studio back in the day. He is famous for designing costumes for Loretta Young, Sylvia Sidney, Ava Gardner, Janet Leigh, Susan Hayward, Marilyn Monroe, and Jane Russell among others during Hollywood’s Golden Years.

It's a figure flattering design for sure. If it had built in bust support and longer shorts I'd totally wear it. From the second picture above it looks like the original was made out of white cotton with brown or possibly metallic gold polka dots. Though red or orange polka dots would be great too! I've been on the hunt for a wearable 50s playsuit so I may just have to challenge myself to hand draft a similar version of this pattern and make one for myself.