NWT Vintage 80s R&K Originals Bow Dress | Stix Baer & Fuller History | Deadstock Secretary Chic | Medium

For those who follow American retail history, the name Stix, Baer & Fuller carries the weight of Midwestern elegance and civic pride. Founded in 1892 by Charles Stix and Aaron Baer, the store grew from a modest dry goods shop to become St. Louis’s premier luxury department store—affectionately known by locals as the “Grand Leader.” At its height, Stix, Baer & Fuller occupied an entire city block on Washington Avenue in downtown St. Louis, serving as the retail and social heart of the city for nearly a century. The store’s iconic palm tree logo became synonymous with quality and sophistication, representing everything from bridge club luncheons to graduation dresses to career wardrobes for St. Louis’s professional class. This dress is a rare survivor from the final chapter of that storied institution.

The detective work on this piece is fascinating and reveals the precision of retail archaeology. The tag features the iconic SBF palm tree logo in its later iteration, and the garment bears an R&K Originals label—a respected American manufacturer known for producing affordable but well-constructed career wear during the height of the women’s workplace revolution. Since Stix, Baer & Fuller was sold to Dillard’s in 1984 and the downtown flagship was rebranded and eventually closed shortly thereafter, the timeline becomes remarkably specific. While there is a handwritten mark on the tag that appears to read “87,” historical records and the presence of the original SBF branding indicate this dress must actually date from 1981 to 1983—the twilight years just before the Grand Leader’s doors closed forever. The handwritten notation is likely a messy “82” or an internal stock-keeping code from the era before computerized inventory systems. This places the dress firmly in the “9 to 5” era, that transformative period when Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton, and Lily Tomlin’s 1980 film crystallized the new reality of American working women demanding both respect and style in the workplace. It was a time characterized by soft, feminine authority—pussybows instead of neckties, tailored but romantic, powerful but approachable.

The dress is in immaculate condition, a true deadstock treasure. It originally retailed for USD 78.00 in the early 1980s, which is roughly equivalent to USD 260.00 in today’s currency—a significant investment that reflects the garment’s quality construction and the premium positioning of both the Stix, Baer & Fuller brand and R&K Originals as a manufacturer. The design features a fluid cream crepe bodice with slightly puffed sleeves and a permanent, perfectly tied pussybow that eliminates the morning struggle of bow-tying (a clever design innovation of the era). The skirt is a moody, deep teal-slate blue with a unique “brushed” texture that feels similar to soft chamois or moleskin—likely a polyester blend designed to mimic more expensive fabrics while offering the easy-care benefits that busy professional women demanded.

Having been stored for over 40 years, the garment has a few tiny imperfections, including a faint spot near the collar and some minor dust in the folds, likely from being tried on in the department store or from decades of careful storage. These have been left untreated to preserve the original historical tags and maintain the garment’s status as an untouched archival piece. While the original belt is missing (a common casualty of time, as belts were often removed and misplaced or worn with other outfits), the thread loops remain intact and ready for a chain belt, woven leather accessory, or sleek patent belt of your choice.

This piece is more than just clothing; it is a tangible connection to a vanished world. It represents the intersection of American manufacturing, regional retail culture, women’s professional advancement, and the particular aesthetics of early 1980s fashion. It’s a time capsule from Washington Avenue in downtown St. Louis—once the bustling center of Midwestern commerce—frozen in time at the precise moment when one era ended and another began. For collectors of fashion history, Midwest memorabilia, or 1980s culture, this dress offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of authenticated retail archaeology with impeccable provenance.

Measurements (flat and doubled):

• Bust: 38 inches
• Waist: 28 inches (Unstretched) to 32 inches (Comfortable Stretch)
• Hips: Open / Free
• Length: 43.5 inches
• Modern Size Estimate: Vintage tag says 14, but vintage sizing is different! This fits best as a modern Medium (US 8/10).

Materials: Cream crepe bodice and brushed “moleskin” texture skirt

Condition: Excellent vintage condition with original tags; minor storage dust and missing original belt. Thread belt loops intact.