Tuesday, May 24, 2011

McCardell's Masterpieces

I was just going through my blog roll, and noticed Glamour Splash's reminder that today would have been designer Claire McCardell's birthday.  I think McCardell's work was chicer than chic; here are some of my favourite design/innovations of hers.  Do you like this designer? If so, what are your favourite designs of hers?

1)  1934 halter-trouser resort/sportswear outfit for Townley Frocks.




2) Popularisation of the "side cutouts" style maillot bathing suit for women in the mid-1930s. Not sure Joan Blondell is wearing a McCardell design per se, but her suit certainly captures the essence of the style.



3)  1956 cotton plaid dress.

8 comments:

  1. KoriMay 24, 2011 at 1:03 PM

    Loving that dress! Kori xoxo

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  2. Lauren HairstonMay 24, 2011 at 2:56 PM

    Picking a favorite Claire McCardell is no small task! I love this plaid playsuit (http://t.co/7OVW3Jm) and this rayon jersey little black dress (http://t.co/BOg9x9x).

    In other news, I was just watching Good Girls Go to Paris with Joan Blondell and Melvyn Douglas. Joan's always so cute!

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  3. KatiusciaMay 25, 2011 at 4:38 AM

    the plaid dress is really cute

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  4. AnonymousMay 26, 2011 at 2:47 PM

    I love McCardell's work - always so clean and uncluttered. One of my prized patterns is one she did for McCall's the year she died.

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  5. Q's DaydreamMay 26, 2011 at 10:53 PM

    That last dress is perfection!

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  6. Katarina Kühl ~ PencilFashionMay 29, 2011 at 6:53 AM

    i just found your blog: it's so beautiful, like the dress in this post :)

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  7. SolanahMay 30, 2011 at 7:12 PM

    Oh that plaid dress is a dream!

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  8. AmeliaJune 3, 2011 at 4:25 PM

    I just found your lovely blog! So great to see one from a fellow Canuck (I'm from Toronto).

    ReplyDelete