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Tag Archives: designers
Ann Lowe, Custom Designer for the Upper Crust
Ann Lowe (1898-1981) was the first African American to open a custom dress studio on Madison Avenue in Manhattan. During the fifties and sixties, she was a favorite designer for the moneyed elite, creating debutante and wedding dresses. Perhaps her … Continue reading
How New was the “New Look”?
In many fashion histories, the “New Look” introduced by Christian Dior in 1948 is portrayed as nothing short of a revolution. With his famous collection featuring soft shoulders, nipped waists, full skirts, and longer lengths, he singlehandedly ended prevailing World … Continue reading
Claire McCardell’s Pop-Over in the Montgomery Ward Catalog
If any designer came to embody a streamlined, no fuss “American look” during World War Two, it was Claire McCardell. She was famous for her innovative designs and inventive use of humble fabrics like gingham and denim. One of her … Continue reading
Patterns of the Times
At the end of the 1940s and into the 1950s, the fashion editor of the New York Times, Virginia Pope, sponsored a series of patterns that were written up and advertised in the newspaper. Published by the Advance Pattern Company, … Continue reading
Balenciaga and the Older Woman
There are very few couturiers I have heard of who enjoy designing for the older woman. Famous Spanish designer Cristobal Balenciaga was one of them. In the recent biography The Master of Us All by Mary Blume (2013), the author … Continue reading
“That Woman” Clothing from Marlo Thomas
Yesterday’s New York Times had a story about a new clothing line started by actress and feminist activist Marlo Thomas. It was a fun read but I didn’t learn much about the clothes, so I decided to look into it … Continue reading
Carolyn Schnurer’s Flight to India
If you like to travel, envy the life of mid century American designer Carolyn Schnurer (1908-1998). During World War Two, she convinced the British Overseas Air Company, the department store Peck and Peck, and a number of American textile manufacturers … Continue reading
Teddi Winograd and Teddi of California
Just when I think that I have a basic knowledge of California sportswear, I discover something new. The brand Teddi of California, started in 1962, was featured in the June 1966 issue of California Stylist. It was already doing big … Continue reading
Bonnie Cashin’s Timeless Style
Some designers change their source of inspiration all the time, looking to Russia one year and Africa the next. Others spend their lives refining basic shapes. The American designer Bonnie Cashin (1908-2000) belonged to the latter camp. Sometimes is it … Continue reading