American Designers of 50s Vintage Dresses

Owning 50s vintage dresses provide insight into anClaire McCardell is a fashion designer widely known
exciting era for dressmaking. The Great Depressionhelping bring American fashion into popularity pushing
long gone, the various restrictions of WWII were lifted,the long dominance of French style aside. This included
manufactures were all geared up for mass productionbeing a leader in the development of ready-to-wear
of quality products, and women wanted the glamourfashion in the US. Well into the 50s she was designing
of Paris. Take all that and stir it together and you havestylish clothing that was functional, simple, and able to
an economy ready to take off.be mass-produced. Finally, she is chiefly responsible for
Much of the 50s vintage dresses were styled afterthe creation of the "American Look," a style that was
Dior's fashion collection released in Spring-Summercasual and chic.
1947. The two lines, Corolla and Eight, have become toMcCardell received various awards and
be known as the 'New Look'. The signature shape ofaccomplishments before passing away in 1958. She
this New Look was a large bust, small waist, and a fullwas presented with Women's National Press Club
skirt with a length just below mid-calf.Award in 1950. The Frank Perls Gallery presented an
Some of the most notable American designers of 50sart exhibition of her dress designs in 1953. Time
vintage dresses were Claire McCardell, Mainbochermagazine placed her on the cover of their May 2, 1955
(Main Rousseau Bocher), and Galanos Originalsissue. In addition McCardell has been mentioned
(James Galanos).numerous times since her passing for her incredible
Claire McCardellcontributions to fashion.