The Hidden History of American Fashion : Rediscovering 20th-century Women Designers

"This book is the first in-depth exploration of the revolutionary designers who defined American fashion in its emerging years and helped build an industry with global impact, yet have been largely forgotten. Focusing on female designers, the authors reclaim a place in history for the women who created not only for celebrities and socialites, but for millions of fashion-conscious customers across the United States. From one of America's first couturiers, Jessie Franklin Turner, to Zelda Wynn Valdes, the book captures the lost histories of the luminaries who paved the way in the world of American fashion design. This fully illustrated collection takes us from Hollywood to Broadway, from sportswear to sustainable fashion, and explores important crossovers between film, theater, and fashion. Uncovering fascinating histories of the design pioneers we should know about, the book enlarges the prevailing narrative of fashion history and will be an important reference for fashion students, historians, costume curators, and fashion enthusiasts alike."--Bloomsbury Publishing. This Book Is The First In-depth Exploration Of The Revolutionary Designers Who Defined American Fashion In Its Emerging Years And Helped Build An Industry With Global Impact, Yet Who Have Been Largely Forgotten. While Names Such As Charles James, Oscar De La Renta, Ralph Lauren And Calvin Klein Are Familiar, Their Once-eminent Forebears Have Been Largely Erased From The Canon Of Fashion History In The United States. From One Of America's First Couturiers, Jessie Franklin Turner, To Zelda Wynn Valdes, Who Dressed The Likes Of Josephine Baker And Ella Fitzgerald, The Book Captures The Lost Histories Of The Luminaries Who Paved The Way In The World Of American Fashion Design. Focusing On Unsung Female Designers, The Authors Reclaim A Place In History For The Women Who Contributed To The Rich Tapestry Of The Industry As It Stands Today, Including Designers Who Dressed Celebrities And Socialites, And Millions Of Fashion-conscious American Women. This Lavishly Illustrated Collection Takes Us From Hollywood To Broadway, From Sportswear To Sustainable Fashion, And Explores Important Crossovers Between Film, Theater, And Fashion, Including Couture, Tailoring, Millinery, Costume, And Accessory Design. Uncovering Fascinating Histories Of The Design Pioneers We Should Know About, The Book Enlarges The Prevailing Narrative Of Fashion History And Will Be An Important Reference For Fashion Students, Historians, Costume Curators, And Fashion Enthusiasts Alike. Part One: Design Innovators. Jessie Franklin Turner : An Intimate Affair / Jan Glier Reeder -- Virginia Woods Bellamy : The Poet As Knitter / Ann W. Braaten And Susan M. Strawn -- Tina Leser : Global Vision / April Calahan -- Sandra Garratt And Modular Clothing / Daniel James Cole -- Part Two: Developing An Industry. Marion Mccoy And Pauline Fracchia : Mid-twentieth-century Originators / Jean L. Parsons And Sara B. Marcketti -- Fira Benenson : The People's Countess / Michael Mamp -- Helen Lee And Suzanne Godart : Chic For Children / Jennifer Farley Gordon And Sara B. Marcketti -- Nicki Catherine Scott Ladany : Chicago's Empress Of Fashion / Adam Macpharlain -- Jean Wright : The Real Lilli Ann / Hannah Schiff -- Mollie Parnis : Tastemaker / Annette Becker -- Elizabeth Libby Payne : Designing For Mrs. Main Street America / Caroline A. Surrarrer And Catherine Amoroso Leslie -- Ruth Finley's Fashion Calendar / Natalie Nudell -- Part Three: Hollywood, Broadway, And Seventh Avenue. Viola Dimmitt : Los Angeles Entrepreneur / Shelly Foote -- Kiviette : Star Performer / Dilia Lopez-gydosh -- Zelda Wynn Valdes : Uptown Modiste / Nancy Deihl -- Vicky Tiel : A Couturière In Paris / Lourdes Font. Edited By Nancy Deihl. Includes Bibliographical References At Chapter Ends, And Index.