Overview

During the 1950s, many women used their sewing skills to recreate the incredibly feminine styles that were adapted into commercial sewing patterns. The 1950s saw renowned designers such as Lanvin, Fath, Schiaparelli, and Givenchy licensing their names and designs to pattern companies in record numbers: designers from Paris to New York to Hollywood can be accounted for in the pattern catalogs of the 1950s. Any woman who could sew could have the latest designer styles for a fraction of the cost. Using over 600 color photos, this informative and enjoyable text outlines the beginnings of the huge pattern industry, its evolution, and continuation through the 1950s. Numerous examples of pattern-related ephemera are pictured along with different types of fashions--from dresses to separates to evening gowns to lingerie. Also included are accessories, needlework, gifts, and toys. This is an invaluable guide for all who are interested in sewing or designing. AUTHOR: Wade Laboissonniere studies and collects vintage patterns and archive materials that document twentieth century fashions. He is also the author of Blueprints of Fashion: Home Sewing Patterns of the 1940s.

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9780764309199

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Sharing the story of pattern company beginnings, from the creation and development of the patterns they sold, the marketing and advertising through to the manufacturing and distribution process, as well as an extensive collection of full-colour illustrations of the patterns themselves including price guide, lovers of vintage style and history buffs alike will revel in this factual documentation of 1950s fashion. - Makeitshabby.com Jan 2015

Author Information

Wade Laboissonniere (Costume Designer) designed the stage adaptation of Disney's High School Musical companies including US, UK, and Spain tours and the West End. Additional national tours include Irving Berlin's White Christmas. He is a graduate of the design program at Yale University School of Drama.

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