Tag Archives: New York

Me and Molly–A Play about Half Sizes

Gertrude Berg (1899-1966) made a career out of bringing the Jewish-American experience to the nation.  In 1929, she wrote, produced and performed in the radio drama The Rise of the Goldbergs, later renamed simply The Goldbergs. It stayed on the … Continue reading

Posted in 1940s | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Book Review: Fashion Climbing by Bill Cunningham

In this book, you meet a different Bill Cunningham than the one presented in the documentary, Bill Cunningham New York, or in his New York Times photos.  This is a memoir of his early years in New York when he … Continue reading

Posted in 1940s, 1950s, 1960s | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

The Styles of 1914

In the world of high fashion impracticality, the stylish silhouettes of 1914 look especially odd to contemporary eyes.  They included a long tunic that billowed around the hips with a very narrow skirt at the bottom. On her blog Witness … Continue reading

Posted in 1910s | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Book Review: The Art of Dressing by Tziporah Salamon

Of all the eccentric older women currently having a fashion moment, I like Tziporah Salamon the best.  Perhaps it is because I once saw her once on a New York street, as brilliant as a bird of paradise amidst her … Continue reading

Posted in 2010s | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Nations Parade, July 4 1911

Here is an unusual Fourth of July parade picture showing older Chinese American women taking part in New York City.  The fascinating photo is in the on line collection of the Museum of the City of New York.  I went … Continue reading

Posted in 1910s | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Labor Activist Pauline Newman, 1974

There’s a theme to my last few posts—the International Ladies Garment Workers’ Union. Not only is it an important topic for those interested in American clothing, but the photographs are wonderful. At the center of this photo is the diminutive … Continue reading

Posted in 1970s | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Shirley Chisholm–Unbought, Unbossed

Shirley Chisholm (1924-2005) was a trailblazer.  In 1968, she became the first African American woman elected to the House of Representative. Four years later, at the age of 48, she ran for president. Her slogan was “Unbought, Unbossed,” perhaps one … Continue reading

Posted in 1970s, 1980s, 1990 | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

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

Posted in 1950s, 1960s, General | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Turbans and the Older Woman

Do you associate certain kinds of hats with certain age groups?  At the beginning of the twenty century, the bonnet tied under the chin was linked to older women.  For me, it is the turban that I associate with this … Continue reading

Posted in 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990 | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Tobé Coller Davis–the First Lady of Fashion Forecasting

If you read about the history of the American garment industry, it doesn’t take long to come across the name Tobé Coller Davis (1888-1962).  After a varied career in clothing companies and department stores, she opened a fashion forecasting company … Continue reading

Posted in 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, General | Tagged , | Leave a comment