Before World War II, Paris was the fashion capital of the world. American manufacturers not only gained inspiration from the leading haute couture designers but often copied the designs outright using lesser fabrics and other cost-cutting measures. Once in a while an innovative American designer came forth, but it was rare that he or she received any name recognition. That all changed during the war when the Paris fashion houses were cut off from the rest of the world. This was an opportunity to make New York City the new center of fashion. Designers like Claire McCardell and Elizabeth Hawes were given the chance to innovate by women like Dorothy Shaver of Lord & Taylor. The "American Look" was supported by the influential fashion magazines with its creative editors and photographers. Eleanor Lambert became the first fashion publicist and was responsible for creating New York Fashion Week, the Met Gala and much more.
Author Nancy MacDonell, a fashion writer and editor, and Adjunct Professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, is well qualified to tell this story. Her well researched Empresses of Seventh Avenue aims to ensure that the contributions of the women in this book are not lost to history. Today's designers owe so much to these trailblazers. If you have an interest in the world of fashion and its history, be sure to check this book out.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this interesting and entertaining book in advance of its publication.
Rated 4.25 out of 5 stars.
Nonfiction | Fashion | History.
Publication Date: August 27, 2024.
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