Z is for Zandra Rhodes

    Zandra Rhodes was born in 1940 in Chatham, Kent, England.
    She got her introduction into the fashion world through her mom who had been a fitter at a Paris fashion house and who was a teacher at Medway College of Art.
    Rhodes studied at Medway College before she moved to London where she attended the Royal College of Art.
    In 1969 she opened her own boutique on Fulham Road in West London.
    Both the clothing that Rhodes designs and her own personal style are bright, colorful, whimsical, theatrical and unique.
    She enjoys using zigzag prints, handkerchief hems, crinolines and slashed fabric in her designs.
    Zandra Rhodes continues to design. You can check out her latest fashions on her website

1987 navy blue strapless dress with gold screen printing and lace.
Measurements are 33" Chest and 25" Waist
You can purchase this dress for $985- over at the Antique & Vintage Dress Gallery

1970's dress with floral and squiggle print.
Measurements are Full Chest, 26" unstretched Waist and 44" Hips
You can purchase this dress for $1,500- over at Katy Kane


1970's pink and black dress with a print of fans, bows and pearls.
The chest measures 34-36"
You can purchase this dress for $225- over at Ballyhoo Vintage Clothing

Y is for Yves Saint Laurent

    Yves Saint Laurent was born Henri Donat Mathieu on August 1, 1939 in Algeria.
    At the age of seventeen he was studying in Paris when he entered the International Wool Secretariat design competition and won first place for the cocktail dress that he designed.
    He was soon hired by Christian Dior. Saint Laurent took over the Dior design house when Dior died four years later.
    Saint Laurent served for a short time in the Algerian war but, he was soon discharged on the count of illness.
    While he was gone in Algeria Marc Bohen had taken over his head designer position at Dior.
    In 1962 Saint Laurent opened his own design house with his business partner Pierre Berge.
    Saint Laurent often based his designs on paintings from such artists as Matisse, Picasso and Braque.

    The artist that he is most known for being influenced by is Mondrian whose artwork he based a collection of dresses on in Fall of 1965.
    In 1966 he premiered his famed "Le Smoking" tuxedo jacket.
    In the 1970's he was known for his peasant collections.
    Yves Saint Laurent retired in 2002.
    Stefano Pilati is the current designer for YSL.


1980's colorful abstract floral dress.
The chest fits up to 38"
You can purchase this dress for $630- over at Enokiworld.com

1980's orange sculptural bolero jacket.
Measurements are 34" Chest and 32" Waist
You can "Buy It Now" for $275- over at vagabond nyc on eBay.

1970's sheer black dress with colorful print of moons and stars.
All measurements are up to 56"
The Current bid is $68.50 and there are 2 days left on it's sale over at Love Street Vintage on eBay.

X is for...

    Who knows of a vintage designer whose name begins with X?
    I most certainly do not!
    So, at the request of one of my readers I am doing Vera Neumann today.

    Vera Neumann was born on July 24, 1910 in Stamford, Connecticut.
    Before Vera started designing textiles she was a designer of children's furniture and murals.
    In 1946 Vera founded her own company with her husband and their friend, textile expert F. Werner Hamm.
    To make her renowned scarves, Vera used the excess parachute silk that was leftover after WWII.
    Vera was known for her use of vibrant colors and unique graphics.
    She designed blouses, dresses, lingerie, scarves, skirts, bedding, napkins, placemats and towels.
    The trademark of her brand was the ladybug. Which she chose because she wanted to "bring good luck, long life and happiness to everyone".
    In 1972 the Smithsonian Institute held a show titled "A Salute to Vera: The Renaissance Woman".
    Vera Neumann died in June 1993.
    After Vera passed away her name was licensed. The items that are being manufactured today can be found at boutiques and department stores around the world.
    But, what could be better than a vintage Vera?!?
    Check out the great vintage items posted below...

1960's red and navy blue knit dress.
This dress features a fun circular ring pull on the zip.
Multiple different sizes available.
You can purchase this dress for $85 over at Vintage Vixen Clothing Co.

1960's black and white dress.
This dress features a cute print of butterflies.
Measurements are 40" Chest, 36" Waist and 42" Hips
You can purchase this dress for $125-over at Posh Girl Vintage 

Long sleeve orange dress.
This dress features a great leaf design.
Measurements are 36" Chest, 34" Waist and 38" Hips
You can purchase this dress for $150- over at Unique Boutique (once at the website scroll about a quarter of the way down the page, the dress is located in the middle column).

1960's white with purple floral print nightie and panty set.
Measurements are 34" Chest, 22-34" Waist and up to 38" Hips
You can purchase this ensemble for the sale price of $33.60 over at Vintage Vixen Clothing Co.

1960's white slip with purple floral print.
The chest measures 33-34"
You can purchase this slip for $94- over at PoshVintage.com

1960's white blouse with blue and khaki design.
The chest measures 38-40"
The Current bid is $18.49 and there are 4 days left on it's sale over at Mel's Shoppe Vintage on eBay.

White blouse with bright orange and yellow floral print.
Measurements are 36" Chest and 40" Hips
You can "Buy It Now" for $34.99 at Village Pink Vintage Preservation on eBay.

White scarf with red, white and pink floral print.
You can purchase this scarf for $15- over at Plaid Pony Vintage.com

W is for Worth

    Charles Frederick Worth was born on October 13, 1825 in Bourne, Lincolnshire, England.
    His career in fashions started when he was 12 years old working at a drapers shop, a position he held for a year. After which he moved onto an apprenticeship at a haberdashery and then a job with a silk mercers company.
    In 1945 Worth moved to Paris where he worked at Maison Gagelin.
    1850 marked the year that he opened his own dressmaking shop inside of Maison Gagelin.
    Worths creations were displayed at the Great Exhibition in London in 1851 and at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1855.
    In 1858 Worth formed a partnership with Otto Bobergh, a Swedish businessman, and opened his own atelier.
    Empress Eugenie was a patron of Worth's atelier and was the major part of what made him such a huge success.
    His atelier was patronized by Sarah Bernhardt, European royalty and society women from around the world.
    He was best know for his elaborately decorated evening gowns.
    Worth was one of the first to put on a fashion show and has been called the "father of haute couture".
    Charles Frederick Worth died in 1895.
    After his death his sons took over his business, and the company remained in the family until it was taken over in 1954 by the house of Paquin.

Gorgeous blue silk satin ball gown from the 1890's.
This gown is decorated with panne velvet and ivory colored Brussels lace.
Measurements are 38" Chest, 28" Waist and 40" Hips
You can "Buy It Now" for $16,000- over at HeavenofGowns com on eBay.

1880's paisley silk brocade visiting gown.
This gown features Venetian lace cuffs.
Measurements are 36" Chest and 26" Waist
You can "Buy It Now" for $3,850- over at HeavenofGowns com on eBay.

1890's baby blue silk faille ballgown.
This gown features embroidered lace trim and a cute little bow at the waist.
Measurements are 33" Chest and 22 1/2" Waist
***This gown along with hundreds of other antique and vintage clothing, accessories and textiles are up for auction through the Charles A Whitaker Auction Company. You can bid in person at the auction being held May 1st and 2nd in New Hope, Pennsylvania or sign up and place an absentee bid on eBay***
The bidding on the gown pictured above starts at $250- and it is estimated to sell for between $500 and $1,200-

V is for Vera Maxwell

    Vera Maxwell was born Vera Huppe on April 22, 1903 in New York City.
    She trained as a ballet dancer and joined the Metropolitan Ballet as a teenager.
    For a while she worked as a model modeling clothes for a wholesale comapany.
    Around this time is when she began sketching, designing, sewing and modeling her own clothing.
    In the 1930's she designed items such as the "weekend wardrobe" and the collarless tweed "Einstein" jacket.
    During World War II, when most European fashions were not available in the U.S., Maxwell along with other designers began producing stylish clothes that observed the various different wartime restrictions.
    She utilized basic fabrics to produce feminized versions of men's clothing such as jackets based on lumberjack shirts.
    Maxwell opened her own business in 1947.
    Starting in the early 1970's she began using Ultrasuede in her designs.
    1974 marked the year that she created the "Speed Suit" a dress that had an elastic waistband that could be pulled on in just 17 seconds.
    She closed her business in 1985.
    Vera Maxwell died in 1995.
    *The photograph pictured above is of a travel ensemble designed by Maxwell in 1948 that is in the collection of the Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

1950's green wool suit.
Measurements are 42" Chest, 29" Waist and 40" Hips
You can purchase this suit for $32- over at Violetville Vintage

1970's periwinkle blue ultra suede dress with burgundy tie belt.
Measurements are 38" Chest and 30-32" Waist
You can purchase this dress for $65- over at Ballyhoo Vintage Clothing

1970's black "Speed Suit" with floral print skirt.
Measurements are 28-37" Chest, 25-34" Waist and 41" Hips
You can "Buy It Now" for $74.99 over at Encore Vintage on eBay

U is for Ungaro

Emanuel Ungaro was born on February 13, 1933 in Aix-en-Provence.
Ungaro's father was a tailor and Ungaro himself began working as a tailor at the age of 14.
In 1955 he moved to Paris where he began work at Balenciaga. He became head of design in 1959, a position he held until 1961.
He then went on to work for Courreges where he remained until 1965 when he opened his own boutique.
Ungaro premiered his ready to wear collection Ungaro Parallele in 1968.
He started a menswear collection in 1975 and a sportswear collection in 1991.
Ungaro was known for paying attention to the details of the clothing that he designed.
Emanuel Ungaro retired in 2004.
Peter Dundas is the current Creative Director of Emanuel Ungaro

1980 floral print velvet evening coat.
Measurements are 42" Chest, 36" Waist and 44" Hips
You can purchase this coat for $650- over at Vintage Textile

1960's orange mohair belted coat.
The chest measures 35"
You can purchase this coat for $2,100- over at Enokiworld.com

Mod brightly colored silk dress with abstract floral print.
Measurements are 33 1/2" Chest and 30 1/2" Natural Waist
The Starting bid on this dress is $9.99 and there are 5 days left on it's sale over at annathelabelqueen on eBay.

T is for Trigere

    Pauline Trigere was born on November 4, 1912 in Paris.
    Trigere' grew up immersed in the fashion business. Her mother had her own Parisian boutique and her father was a tailor. Trigere started using a sewing machine at the age of ten.
    After she was finished with school Trigere worked as a cutter at Martial et Armand in the Place Vendome.
    In 1937 she moved to New York where worked as an assistant designer to Travis Banton at Hattie Carnegie.
    She opened her own boutique in 1942.
    In the late 1940's she began producing ready to wear.
    Trigere was known for her ability to cut and drape fabric straight from the bolts. Often utilizing wrapping and knot tying.
    She is believed to have been the first designer to apply removable scarves and collars to coats and dresses.
    Trigere continued designing up until her death. She produced a line of products for Gold Violin, an online company catering to senior citizens.
    Pauline Trigere passed away in February 2002.
    *The photograph pictured above was taken by Arthur Leipzig

Pauline Trigere silk dress.
The chest measures 38"
The Starting bid is $275- over at Charles Nero Art and Antiques on eBay.

1960's navy silk gown with matching bolero jacket.
The jacket features bright yellow silk faille lining.
Measurements are 40" Chest, 35" Waist and 42" Hips
You can purchase this dress for $645- over at the Antique & Vintage Dress Gallery

Trigere dress with floral print.
The chest measures 34"
You can purchase this dress for $395- over at What Comes Around Goes Around

S is for Shaheen

    Alfred Shaheen was born in New Jersey in 1922.
    In 1938 his family moved to Honolulu and started a custom garment manufacturing business.
    He played football at Whittier College where he earned a degree in engineering.
    During World War II Shaheen was a fighter pilot in Europe.
    In 1948 he opened Shaheen's of Honolulu- a Hawaiian shirt business.
    He started designing and printing his own fabrics at his factory Surf 'n Sand Hand Prints in 1952.
    In July 2006 he won Hawaii's Lifetime Achievement Award.
    Shaheen retired in 1988.
    Reyn Spooner continues to offer The Alfred Shaheen Collection of men's Hawaiian shirts.
    *The 1950's playsuit posted above can be purchased for $145- over at Madvintage on eBay.

I really like the style of this dress!
1960's/1970's cream dress with black, gold and red print.
This dress features flared sleeves and a fabulous faux obi belt.
Measurements are 38" Chest, 28" Waist and 40" Hips
You can "Buy It Now" for the very reasonable price of $49- over at the ChopSueySisters on eBay

1970's black sun dress with matching bolero jacket.
This dress has an unusual Shaheen pattern of scotty dogs.
Measurements are 36" Chest, 26-28" Waist and Full Hips
The Current bid is $5- and there are 5 days left on the sale over on eBay

1950's red dress with print of dragon rice bowls and chopsticks.
You can "Buy It Now" for $485- over at the ChopSueySisters on eBay.

R is for Rudi Gernreich

    Rudi Gernreich was born in Vienna in 1922.
    He came from a family who was involved in the fashion industry- his dad was a hosiery manufacturer and his aunt had a dress shop that he worked at when he was a teenager.
    Because of the volatile situation in Austria Gernreich moved to California in 1938.
    He attended both the Los Angeles City College and the Los Angeles Art Center School.
    After he was done with school he worked as a dancer and a costume designer with the Leser Horton Company.
    Gernreich began doing freelance fashion design work in 1948.
    Then in 1951 he signed on to make clothing for the Los Angeles boutique Jax.
    In 1960 he founded his own company GR Designs Inc which he would later change the name of to Rudi Gernreich Inc.
    Because of his experience in dance he was fascinated by the need for stretchy material that would free the body for movement.   
    His early designs reflected this background in that they didn't force a woman's body into uncomfortable positions with the boning and underwires that were popular in bras and swimwear of the time.
    Gernreich is best know for the topless bathing suit that he designed which was worn by his favorite model Peggy Moffit and was photographed by William Claxton.
    Rudi Gernreich died in 1985.

Red and navy rectangle print dress.
You can purchase this dress for $695- over at The Paper Bag Princess

1960's sheer black nylon bra.
Size: 36A
You can purchase this bra for $135- over at Vintage Martini

1960's red and navy checkerboard print maxi dress.
Measurements are 34-35" Chest, 28-32" Empire Waist and 38" Hips
You can "Buy It Now" for $500- over at Cats Vintage and Designer Clothing on eBay.

Q is for Quant

    Mary Quant was born in London in 1934.
    In the early 1950's she studied art at Goldsmith's College of Art in London.
    In 1955 she opened the Chelsea boutique Bazaar with the financial backing of her future husband Alexander Plunket-Greene and their friend Archie McNair.
    When she first started out her boutique Quant only sold clothing, after a short time she started creating her own designs.
    In 1957 she began designing underwear and clothing for J.C.Penney.
    She formed the Ginger Group wholesale design and manufacturing firm in 1963.
    She began a line of cosmetics in 1966.
    In 1983 she started Mary Quant at Home.
    In the early 1980's she established franchise shops in Japan.   
    In 2000 Mary Quant stepped down from her position of director at Mary Quant Ltd.
    Quant will always be remembered for popularizing the mini skirt and appealing to the hip swinging Sixties crowd.

1960's purple suit.
Measurements are top: 38" Chest, 28" Waist and 40" Hips
You can buy this ensemble for 125 GBP over at Vintage-a-Peel

1960's pumpkin colored blouson ensemble.
Measurements are 25" Waist and 37" Hips
You can purchase this ensemble for $645- over at Enokiworld.com

1960's black wool coat with leather piping.
Measurements are 35" Chest, 32" Waist and 35" Hips
You can purchase this coat for $325- over at Chelsea Girl

P is for Pucci

    Emilio Pucci, the Marchese di Barsento, was born into an old aristocratic family in Naples on November 20, 1914.
    Pucci went to school for two years at Milan University before heading over to the University of Georgia for two more years. From Georgia he headed to Reed College in Portland, Oregon where he received his MA.
    He returned to Italy and earned a doctorate in political science at the University of Florence.
    In the late 40's Pucci was photgraphed by Toni Frissell of Harpers Bazaar on the ski slopes of Italy wearing a ski ensemble of his own design.
    Harpers Bazaar asked for him to design women's winter clothing which they featured in their magazine and which was sold at various different New York department stores.
    In 1950 he opened a couture house on the Isle of Capri.
    Pucci was known for his boldly printed fabrics that he utilized in the design of  blouses, capri pants, dresses, shorts and suits.
    He also designed lines of sweaters, swimwear and underwear for US clothing manufacturers.
    Pucci designed the flight attendant uniforms for Braniff Airlines from 1965-1974. He created six different uniforms which included everything from solid colored dresses to boldly printed separates.
    Pucci died in 1992.
    The Pucci brand carries on today and is being headed by Matthew Williamson as Creative Director.   
    Pucci has a beautifully designed website where you can see images of Emilio Pucci, learn about the company and view the latest collections.
    * You can buy the book pictured above over at amazon.com

Late 1960's silk voile dress.
This dress features a blue, green and purple print.
Measurements are 33" Chest and 25/26" Waist
You can purchase this dress for $965- over at the Antique & Vintage Dress Gallery

1960's white velvet purse.
This purse features a bright floral print.
You can purchase this purse for $750- over at Katy Kane

1970 silk jersey dress.
This magenta dress features a print of lilac, pink ivory and purple.
Measurements are 33"-38" Chest and 26" Waist
You can purchase this dress for $685- over at Vintage Textile

O is for Oleg Cassini

    Oleg Cassini was born in 1913 in Paris to aristocratic Russian parents.
    He was raised in Italy where his mother was a dressmaker.
    Cassini studied in Florence, did sketches for Patou and opened a boutique in Rome before moving to New York in 1936.
    He moved to Hollywood in the early 1940's where he became a designer at Paramount.
    While in Hollywood he dressed Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, Natalie Wood and Gene Tierney (who would later become his second wife).
    After serving in World War II he opened his own boutique in New York.
    In the early 1960's he was chosen by Jacqueline Kennedy as the designer for her First Lady wardrobe.
    He reportedly designed over 300 outfits for Mrs. Kennedy including her classic suits with boxy jackets.
    Oleg Cassini died in March of 2006.

1950's black crepe dress.
This dress has black satin buttons and black satin detailing.
Measurements are 40/42" Chest, 29" Waist and 40" Hips
You can purchase this dress for $365- over at Hemlock Vintage Clothing
 

1950's cream, black and brown patterned dress.
This dress features a black waistband with a long bow at the hip.
Measurements are 42" Chest, 31" Waist and 39" Hips
The Current bid is $14.99 and there are 5 days left on the sale over at Forever Chic Vintage on eBay.

1950's black wool dress.
This dress features four decorative buttons at the neck.
Measurements are 34" Chest, 26" Waist and 36" Hips
You can purchase this dress for $310- over at VintageTrends.com

N is for Norell

    Norman Norell was born Norman David Levinson on April 20, 1900 in Noblesville, Indiana.
    He studied fashion illustration at Parsons and fashion design at Pratt.
    In 1922 he started working for Paramount Studio's New York location where he designed clothing for silent movie stars such as Gloria Swanson.
    After leaving Paramount he worked on Broadway as a costume designer and for Charles Armour, a wholesale dress manufacturer.
    Norell worked for Hattie Carnegie from 1928-1941.
    From the early forties through the early seventies Norell taught at Parsons.
    Anthony Traina and Norell formed their design company Traina-Norell in the early 1940's.
    In 1960, after Traina retired, Norell opened his own company designing for his label Norell.
    Norell is best known for his sequin covered sheath dresses.
    Norman Norell died in October 1972.
    *The 1968 black silk crepe dress covered in black glass bugle beads pictured above can be purchased for $2,300 over at Vintage Textile

1960's blue wool dress.
Measurements are 34" Chest, 26" Waist and 34-36" Hips
The Starting bid is $149.99 and there are 4 days left on it's sale over at kp4801 on eBay.

1960's black wool crepe dress.
This dress features a satin waistband and bow.
Measurements are 36" Chest and 26" Waist
You can purchase this dress for $1,600- over at Enokiworld.com

1960's bubblegum pink wool coat.
Measurements are 40" Chest, 38" Waist and 44" Hips
You can purchase this coat for $1,450 over at Vintage Textile

M is for McCardell

    Claire McCardell was born in Frederick, Maryland in 1905.
    She attended Hood College in Frederick for two years before she headed off to Parsons in New York.
    While at Parsons she studied fashion illustration and spent her second year at Parsons Paris location.
    She finished her degree back in New York.
    After graduating from Parsons she had various different jobs including working for a short time for Robert Turk.
    Robert Turk's business proved to be unsuccessful and he and McCardell went to work at Townley Frocks.
    Shortly after their move to Townley Frocks Turk died in an accident and McCardell took over his design position working for the company for seven years.
    She went and worked for Hattie Carnegie for a short time before returning to Townley Frocks.
    When she returned to the company she began designing under her own label.
    She designed clothing that was practical yet stylish utilizing fabrics such as cotton, denim and jersey in her simple designs.
    In 1955 she used fabric printed with artwork from Chagall, Dufy, Leger, Miro and Picasso to make casual resort clothing (see the dress below).
    McCardell died in 1958 from cancer.
    *The photograph pictured above is from the website fashionencyclopedia.com

This dress is made out of cotton and features a fantastic abstract art print by Fernand Leger.
Measurements are 32-33" Chest, 22" Waist and Full Hips.
You can purchase this dress for $2,100- over at VintageTrends.com

1940's black cotton dress.
This dress features a large bow at the neck and a pleated skirt.
Measurements are 36" Chest and up to 28" Waist
You can purchase this dress for $585- over at the Antique & Vintage Dress Gallery

1950's brown cotton dress with fruit print..
This dress features a pretty neckline.
Measurements are 35-36" Chest, 27" Waist and 37" Hips
The Current bid is $100- and there are 3 days left on the sale over at Capricorn Vintage on eBay.
 

L is for Leser

    Tina Leser was born Christina Wetherill Shillard-Smith on December 12, 1910 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
    As a child Tina traveled with her family around the world to faraway places such as Asia and Africa.
    She studied art, design, painting and sculpture at university in Philadelphia and Paris.
    In 1931 she married Curtin Leser from whom she took the name under which she designed.
    They divorced in 1936 and Tina eventually remarried James Howley in 1948.
    Tina opened her first store in Hawaii in 1935 where she sold well made clothing that utilized local Hawaiian and imported Filipino fabrics.
    In 1941 she moved to New York and opened her own company.
    It wasn't until 1943 when she joined the Edwin H. Foreman sportswear firm that she started to make a mark in the fashion world.
    Leser was known for her playsuits and resortwear.
    Her clothing was influenced by many different locales around the world such as China, Guatemala, Hawaii, India, Japan, Mexico and Thailand.
    In 1953 Tina left the Foreman sportswear firm and started her own company again.
    She designed swimwear for Gabor Swimsuits for awhile.
    Tina closed her business in 1964 but, opened it again in 1966.
    Tina permanently closed her business in 1982.
    Tina Leser passed away in 1986.

Red and white gingham beach cover-up from the late 1940's
This beach cover-up is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection

1950's swimsuit with crisscross floral fabric detailed chest and white pleated skirt.
Measurements are 30" Chest, 26" Waist and 35" Hips
You can "Buy It Now" for $225- over at The Cats Pajamas Vintage on eBay.

Unique 1940's sari style dress done in plaid fabric.
This dress has an attached shawl that is designed to drape over the shoulder.
Vintage Size 10
For purchase information please refer to MarilynGlass.com

K is for Kamali

    Norma Kamali was born Norma Arraes on June 27, 1945 in New York City.
    Norma graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a fashion illustration degree in 1964.
    In 1968 she opened a boutique with her husband Eddie in New York.
    She divorced from her husband in 1972 and opened a new boutique called OMO (On My Own) in 1978.
    Norma was known in the 1980's for her design innovations such as sweatshirt fleece dresses, coats made out of sleeping bag down feathers and jumpsuits made out of parachute nylon.
    Yet, you can also see in her collections that she was greatly influenced by the styles of the 1940's and 1950's.
    Norma continues to design and offers updated versions of such classics as her Sleeping Bag Coat.

1980's green polka dot dress.
Measurements are 36" Chest, 26" Waist and 38" Hips
You can purchase this New With Tags dress for $125- over at Viva la Vintage

1970's sapphire velvet skirt with snaps on the side.
Measurements are 24"-26" Waist and 35" Hips
You can purchase this New With Tags skirt for $130- over at Enokiworld.com

Gold lame OMO dress.
Measurements are 36" Chest and 28" Waist
You can "Buy It Now" for $250- over at Polyester Vintage Designer Clothing on eBay.

 

J is for Johnson

    Betsey Johnson was born on August 10,1942 in Connecticut.   
    She studied for a year at Pratt Institute before continuing onto Syracuse University where she graduated in 1964.
    In 1964 she won a contest to be the guest editor of an issue of Mademoiselle.
    She became the head designer in 1965 at Paraphernalia, a hip New York boutique.
    Betsey hung out with Andy Warhol's crowd and she was married for a short time to the Velvet Underground's John Cale.
    In 1969 she opened her own shop called Betsey Bunki Nini.
    In the early 1970's she designed clothing for the label Alley Cat which was a popular label amongst the rock and roll crowd.
    In 1972 she won the Coty Award.
    1978 was the year that Betsey began a partnership with Chantal Bacon, they started Betsey's own label and opened their first boutique in Soho.
    Today there are over forty Betsey Johnson stores around the world including stores in such places as Los Angeles, Toronto, Dubai and Tokyo.
    *The photograph pictured above was taken from iTraveliShop

Alley Cat knit top and skirt in a brown, green, orange, white and purple plaid print.
The top features a black fabric neckline, armholes and hem.
Measurements are 30" Chest, 26" Waist and 36" Hips
You can "Buy It Now" for $290- over at Tribecca Vintage on eBay.

Alley Cat wool skirt.
This skirt features a bold print of water lillies.
The waist measures 24"
You can "Buy It Now" for $325- over at Heavenly Closet on eBay.

Alley Cat knit dress.
This dress features a cute print of pink flowers.
Measurements are 34" Chest and 36" Hips
You can purchase this dress for $430- over at Enokiworld.com

I is for Irene

    Irene Lentz was born in 1907 in South Dakota.   
    In 1927 she moved to Los Angeles where she studied at the Wolfe School of Design and opened a dress shop.
    She closed her shop after the death of her first husband- but opened a second shop in 1933.   
    In 1933 she also became the head of Bullocks Wilshire Costume Design Salon in Hollywood where she designed clothing for the Hollywood elite to wear on and off the screen.
    Irene worked freelance from 1938-1942.
    In 1942 she became the head designer for MGM.
    Two years before she left MGM (1949) she opened Irene, Inc. with the backing from many different department stores including Bullocks Wilshire, Marshall Field and Neiman Marcus.
    During her career Irene dressed such stars as Ingrid Bergman, Marlene Dietrich, Irene Dunne, Ava Gardner and Katharine Hepburn.
    She committed suicide in November 1962 at the Knickerbocker Hotel in Los Angeles.

Black dress made of sheer silk chiffon and French lace.
This dress features an under dress made of silk crepe.
Measurements are 34" Chest, 24" Waist and 34" Hips
You can purchase this dress for $1,750- over at Katy Kane

Charcoal grey wool suit jacket.
The cuffs have holes where you can wear cufflinks.
Chest measures 36"
You can purchase this jacket for $150- over at VintageTrends.com

Pink satin opera coat.
This coat features a single button in the front.
Size 4-12
You can purchase this coat for $495 over at the Antique & Vintage Dress Gallery

H is for Halston

    Roy Frowick Halston was born on April 23, 1932 in Des Moines, Iowa.
    During childhood he would make hats for his mother and sister.
    His family moved to Chicago in the later part of 1952 where Halston got a job as a window dresser.
    He continued creating hats and eventually his designs were featured in a short story in the Chicago Daily News.
    Halston opened his own shop Boulevard Salon in 1957.
    In 1959 Halston moved to New York and began working for Lilly Dache where he made co-designer in a year of working there.
    After working at Lilly Dache he moved onto Bergdorf Goodman where after two years of working he became the stores first designer to have his name placed inside the hats that he designed.
    He designed the pill box hat that Jackie Kennedy wore at the President's Innagural.
    1966 marked the year that he designed his first ready to wear collection for Bergdorf Goodman.
    In 1968 he opened his own salon.
    He was well known for his use of Ultra Suede and jersey fabrics in his simple and classic designs.
    His clients included Liza Minnelli, Elizabeth Taylor and Babe Paley.
    He loved to party at Studio 54 with Steve Rubell and Bianca Jagger.
    In 1973 his company Halston Inc. was bought by Norton Simon Industries.
    During the time that  Halston Inc. was owned by N.S.I. Halston designed his own perfume and also designed clothing for J.C. Penney.
    In 1983 Esmark Inc. bought out NSI, then Esmark was bought by Beatrice Foods.
    In 1984 Halston was fired from his own company and was no longer allowed to design and market clothing under his own name.
    Halston died in 1990 of AIDS.

Raspberry colored Ultra Suede suit.
Measurements are 36" Chest, 28" Waist and 38" Hips
You can "Buy It Now" for $395- over at Bully Vintage on eBay.

Coral colored silk crepe wrap dress.
Measurements are 38" Chest, 26-28" Waist and 38" Hips
You can purchase this dress for $420- over at Enokiworld.com

Orchid colored velour caftan.
Measurements are 43" Chest and 43" Hips
You can "Buy It Now" for $115- over at Magnificent Vintage on eBay.

Two piece silk chiffon.
Listed as a modern size 6 to 8 (call the seller for exact measurements).
You can purchase this ensemble for $1,500- over at Isadora's

G is for Givenchy

    Hubert de Givenchy was born February 21, 1927 in Beauvais, France.
    He attended the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris.
    In 1945 he worked for the fashion designer Jacques Fath.
    He also worked for Robert Piquet, Lucien Lelong and Elsa Schiaparelli before opening the House of Givenchy in 1952.
    Givenchy banned the press from his shows in 1956, stating " A fashion house is a laboratory which must conserve its mystery".
    Givenchy designed gowns for Grace Kelly, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and the Duchess of Windsor.
    He is most well known for designing clothing for Audrey Hepburn.
    Yet, initially he was disappointed when Audrey Hepburn showed up at his design house when he was instead expecting Katharine Hepburn.

    The black dress that Audrey wore when she portrayed the character Holly Golightly in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's sold for about $920,909- at auction in December.
    Besides designing the clothing for Audrey in Breakfast at Tiffany's he also created the clothes for Funny Face and Charade. He continued to design clothing for her throughout the rest of her life.
    Givenchy sold his business to Moet Hennessy-Louis Vuitton in 1988.
    He retired in 1995.
    Since Hubert de Givenchy's retirement John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Julien Macdonald, Ozwald Boateng and currently Riccardo Tischi have headed the design at Givenchy.

Black silk organza dress ensemble.
This dress is covered in white petals and features a white silk rose on the right hip.
The ensemble includes a black silk organza cape with a black silk rose near the right shoulder.
Measurements are 31" Chest, 26" Waist and 34" Hips
You can "Buy It Now" for $695- over at Siren Vintage on eBay.

1958 black silk dress with red floral pattern.
This dress features a bow at the top of the chest and a full pouf skirt.
Measurements are up to 34" Chest and 28" Waist
For purchasing information please refer to MarilynGlass.com

Early 1970's black silk organza dress decorated with black petals.
This dress features flamenco style sleeves with roses at the top of the shoulders.
Measurements are 38" Chest, 32" Waist and 41" Hips
You can "Buy It Now" for $2,050- over at HeavenofGowns com on eBay

F is for Furstenberg

    Diane von Furstenberg was born Diane Simone Michelle Halfin in the year 1946 in Brussels, Belgium.   
    She attended the University of Geneva where she studied economics and through which she met her husband Prince Egon of Furstenberg.
    In 1969 she apprenticed with the Italian textile company Angelo Ferretti. During which time she designed dresses with the company's silk jersey prints.
    She presented her first solo collection in New York in 1972.
    1974 marked the year that her infamous wrap dresses made their premier.
    In 1997 she relaunched her wrap dresses marketing them to the young women who were scooping up her original 1970's dresses at vintage clothing stores.
    1998 was the year her memoir Diane: A Signature Life was published.
    In 2001 she hired Nathan Jenden as Creative Director and together they turned her brand into a full fashion collection.
    Diane's flagship store is based in the West Village and she continues opening new shops around the world.
    *The picture above is of Andre Leon Talley's 2004 book titled Diane Von Furstenberg: The Wrap

1970's black and cream print long sleeve dress.
This dress buttons down the front and has a matching fabric belt at the waist.
Measurements are 39" Chest, 32" Waist and 44" Hips
You can purchase this dress for $175- over at Swank Vintage

1970's green and white short sleeve dress.
This dress has a matching fabric belt at the waist.
Measurements are 36" Chest, 38" Waist and Full Hips
The Starting bid is $39.99 and there are 8 days left on the sale over at BebopaDiva Vintage on eBay.

1970's orange and black dress with matching jacket.
This dress has a unique twisted bodice.
The chest measures 32"
You can purchase this dress for $465- over at Posh Vintage.com

E is for Estevez

    Luis Estevez was born in Havana, Cuba in 1930.
    He attended prep school in the U.S. and then returned to Havana to study architecture.   
    One summer he got a job at the New York Lord & Taylor store which sparked his interest in fashion.
    He studied at the Traphagen School of Fashion in New York.
    After which he went to Paris and worked for Patou for two years.
    In 1955 when Estevez returned to New York he joined the company Grenelle, Ltd. and eventually became a partner in Grenelle-Estevez.
    1956 marked the year that he received the Coty Award.
    In 1968 Estevez moved to Hollywood where he designed clothing for actresses such as Lana Turner and Natalie Wood.
    He received the Hispanic Designers Life Time Achievement Award in 1990.
    Luis Estevez still resides in California.
    * The red wool dress pictured above can be bought for $465- over at the Antique & Vintage Dress Gallery

Estevez dress with black velvet detail around the waist and the hemline.
This dress has a fun little string tie at the waist.
Measurements are 36" Chest, 27" Waist and 37" Hips
You can "Buy It Now" for $139.99 over at Studio 320 Designer Clothier on eBay.

1960's black dropped waist dress.
This dress features an off white sash an bow at the drop waist.
Measurements are 36" Chest, 33" Waist and 38" Hips
You can "Buy It Now" for $150- over at My Frock Shop-A Vintage Boutique on eBay

1950's blue and black paisley patterned dress with unique neckline.
This dress ensemble includes a bolero jacket with a black velvet collar.
Dress measurements are 33" Chest, 26" Waist and 35" Hips
You can "Buy It Now" for $445- over at Vintage ELViSReaLLyRoCkS on eBay.

D is for Dior

    Christian Dior was born in 1905 in Granville, France.
    In 1910 his family moved to Paris and would return to their estate in Granville during the summer.
    With pressure from his father he studied Political Science for awhile before Christian was allowed to open an art gallery called Galerie Jacques Bonjean.
    He closed the gallery in 1931 when his mother and brother died.
    For several years he sold fashion sketches to newspapers and couture houses.
    He then found work with Robert Piguet and Pierre Balmain.
    During World War II he served as an officer.
    After France had surrendered in the war, the cotton giant Marcel Boussac gave Dior the funding he needed to open his own couture house.
    Dior's first show was in February of 1947.
    This show featured the launch of his "New Look" which consisted of soft shoulders, stiffened bodices, petite waistlines and full voluminous skirts.

Photograph of a model sporting 1947's "New Look".

    Dior continued producing beautifully detailed and female figure flattering designs throughout his career.
    Pierre Cardin and Yves Saint Laurent both worked alongside Dior.
    Cardin left to open his own business and Yves Saint Laurent took over the house of Dior when Dior died in 1957.

Gorgeous commissioned ballgown of the 1949 Dior Venus Ballgown.
This gown is made out of rayon and tulle.
Measurements are 32" Chest and 23" Waist
This gown is listed as being Reserved over at VintageGriffin.com

1956 black crepe dress.
This dress features gathering at the bodice and a cute bow sash at the waist.
Measurements are 36" Chest and 25" Waist
You can purchase this dress for $535- over at the Antique & Vintage Dress Gallery

1957 dotted white tulle gown.
This gown features unique gathered shoulder straps which can be worn gathered up as pictured above or in a bolero style.
Measurements are 34" Chest and 23" Waist
You can "Buy It Now" for $9,450- over at HeavenofGowns com on eBay

C is for Cardin

    Pierre Cardin was born on July 7, 1922 near Venice, Italy.
    When he was 14 he worked as a tailor's assistant.
    In 1945 he moved to Paris where he worked with designers such as Paquin, Schiaparelli and Christian Dior.
    He opened his own design house in 1950 and showed his first collection in 1953.
    In the 1960's Cardin created space age style designs that the likes of are know coming back into vogue.
    Besides designing clothing, accessories, furniture and many other items he also works with UNESCO on various different issues.
    The photograph pictured above was taken from this wonderful website which is full of amazing images of mod young ladies in miniskirts.

1970 long navy wool dress.
This dress features a cutout at the chest with bow detail above and cutouts at the skirt hem.
Measurements are 35" Chest, 29" Waist and 38" Hips
You can purchase this dress for $1,200- over at Vintage Textile

1970's navy blue and yellow cotton poplin dress.
This dress features a halter neck and a PC logo on the pocket at the right hip.
Measurements are 34" Chest and up to 36" Hips
You can purchase this dress for $590- over at Enokiworld.com

1960's chocolate brown wool dress.
This dress features a unique deep U shaped neckline with a large dot covering the middle of the chest.
Measurements are 36" Chest, 34" Waist and 36" Hips
You can purchase this dress for $1,300- over at Swank Vintage

   

B is for Blass

    Bill Blass was born William Ralph Blass on June 22, 1922 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
    When he was 15 he sold sketches of evening gowns to a New York manufacturer for $25- each
    At the age of 17 he left home and began attending fashion school in New York.
    After working for awhile as a sketch artist he joined the Army in 1942.
    In 1945 he left the army and worked for various different design houses including Maurice Rentner Ltd. which he became vice president of.
    It was in 1970 that he started his own company Bill Blass Limited.
    His designs were known for their casual glamour.
    Nancy Reagan and various socialites were noted for wearing his dresses.
    He had a small stroke in 1998 and ended up selling his company for $50- million dollars at the end of 1999.
    In 2002 he died of cancer.
    *The photo posted above was taken from harpercollins.com through which Blass published his autobiography.

1960's black dress made out of satin and wool boucle.
This dress features cute bow details on the back of the straps.
Measurements are 34" Chest, 31" Waist and 35" Hips
You can purchase this dress for $500- over at Unique Boutique NYC (once at the website you will find the dress located in the right hand column second from the bottom).

1960's champagne colored silk satin dress.
This dress features smocked detail at the top and a sash belt at the waist.
The chest measures up to 40"
You can purchase this dress for $410- over at Enokiworld.com

1960's navy silk dress.
This dress features a high pleated ruffle at the neck which plunges in the back.
Measurements are 34" Chest, 25" Waist and up to 38" Hips
You can "Buy It Now" for $199- over at SO-FANCY-IT-HURTS on eBay.

1970's cream silk chiffon.
This dress features beautiful draping creating a wonderful Greek goddess look.
The waist measures 26"
You can purchase this dress for $325- over at The Story on Fashion Dig.

Vintage Designer's A-Z

    For the month of April we will be working our way A to Z through the alphabet of vintage designers.
    So, make sure to tune in every weekday, Saturdays and a few Sundays for these lessons in vintage history.
    Today we are kicking it off with A for Adrian.
    Who will B be for?
    Stop by tomorrow to find out!

A is for Adrian

    Gilbert Adrian was born Adrian Adolph Greenberg on March 3, 1903 in Naugatuck, Connecticut.
    He attended the New York School for Fine and Applied Arts (now known as Parsons) and up until 1925 designed costumes for Broadway shows.
    In 1925 he headed to Hollywood where the first major Hollywood star he designed costumes for was Rudolph Valentino.
    He designed for De Mille Studios from 1926-1928 and then soon made his move to MGM, where he stayed until 1942.   
    During his career Adrian designed clothing for the likes of Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, Jean Harlow, Norma Shearer and Katharine Hepburn in hundreds of Hollywood films such as Anna Christie, Grand Hotel, Letty Lynton, Bombshell, Reckless, Anna Karenina, The Women, The Wizard of Oz, The Philadelphia Story, A Woman's Face and Possessed.
     When he left M.G.M. in 1942 he opened a shop in Beverly Hills. Besides selling his designs at his shop he also sold ready to wear at department stores throughout the country.
    In 1944 he won the Coty Award for Fashion
    He died on September 13, 1959 from a heart attack.

Mocha colored jersey dress by Adrian.
This dress features beautiful draping.
Measurements are up to 34B Chest, 27" Waist and Full Hips
You can "Buy It Now" for $6,000- over at Angelwalker on eBay "This listing is restricted to pre-approved bidders or buyers only".

1940's Adrian cocktail dress.
This dress has a black silk taffeta bodice and a silk crepe skirt.
The dress is decorated with beads and tassels.
Measurements are 40" Chest, 29" Waist and 38" Hips
You can purchase this dress for $1,800- over at Enokiworld.com

For purchasing information please refer to Marilyn Glass.com