August 10, 1944
As a special feature of the Summer Exhibition, AMERICA, 1744-1944, the Brooklyn Museum will open on August 11, an exhibition of representative sketches from the important Library of Original Fashion Sketches by American Designers which the Brooklyn Museum Library has been collecting for the past two years. This show will remain current through October 29.
The exhibition contains examples of the work of such outstanding designers as Mark Mooring of Bergdoff-Goodman, Vera Maxwell, Elizabeth Hawes, Jenkins, Philip Mangone, Eta of Ren-Eta, and Mabel Downs, all of whom have contributed rough and finished sketches, complete with swatches of material, which give a comprehensive picture of their activity in, and contribution to, the World of Fashion. Norman Norell is represented by numerous fascinating croquis for the spring season, 1942. Gayly colored sketches for the years 1940-1944 show the typically youthful creations of Claire McCardell. The work of Bruno of Spectator Sports is illustrated by preliminary sketches and by professional sketches of the finished garment. Designs for four gowns made for the Duchess of Windsor by Hattie Carnegie introduces the work of one of America’s outstanding houses. Extremely well defined sketches by Bernard Newman reveal the fact that a fashion sketch can be explanatory and very beautiful. Bonnie Cashin shows some very pert and amusing play clothes as well as chic street and dress costumes. The sketches done by Vera Host are detailed, finished and most intriguing. Adele Simpson is represented by several beautifully executed designs. So the exhibition continues, including sketches by Coppola, Charlie Armour, Czettel, Renee Montague, Natalie Renke, Chester Hicks, Mme. Sonia and many others, all distinguished and all important in a record of American Fashion.
Stage and screen are represented by the work of Irene, Muriel King, Edith Head’s designs for LADY IN THE DARK, Fiffi’s creation for the DeMarcos, Jenkins costumes for Mimi, Czettel’s two beautiful sketches for Marian Anderson and Waiter Florell’s designs for THE MERRY WIDOW.
The Museum is open to the public on weekdays from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. and on Sundays from 1 P.M. to 5 P.M.
Brooklyn Museum Archives. Records of the Department of Public Information. Press releases, 1942 - 1946. 07-09/1944, 078. View Original
