'This lecture series focuses on American Fashion Designers that became household names for the first time at the onset of World War II as American women were cut off from European fashion houses. Part I of III. At the onset of World War II, American women lost access to European couture fashion, particularly during the Nazi occupation of Paris. Many iconic designers closed their doors including Madame Gres and Balenciaga, while others like Mainbocher, Molyneux and Schiaparelli fled to London, New York and Hollywood. This provided a unique opportunity for budding American designers to enjoy the spotlight of fashion in their own country. Hollywood costume designer Adrian became a mainstream designer while Edith Head dispensed fashion advice for their stars as well as the American public. For the first time, American designers’ names could be found on the tags of the clothing they created. Claire McCardell throughout World War II used inventive design to problem solve for the needs of the American woman. She with other designers like Tina Lesner, Pauline Trigere and Norman Norell rose to the occasion to define the look of American fashion including clean lines, making comfort priority, but most importantly, addressing the needs of the American woman. The next generation of American designers including Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan would continue this tradition.'
Tags: american fashion , World War II , american fashion designers , edith head , Claire McCardell , Norman Norell , Bonnie Cashin , Tina Leser , Lily Dache
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