A Good Read – The Life of a Fashion Designer

While reading the book, Claire McCardell: The Designer Who Set Women Free, I often
wished I had lived in the 1930s thru 1950s so I could have appreciated this amazingly
creative woman in a deeper way. Written by Elizabeth Evitts Dickinson, this book
showcases a fashion designer who believed she should have her name of the label of her
designs (an unheard concept at the time). Her desire was to design clothes for all women,
not just the few who could afford haute couture. She fought for the right of women to
choose how they dress – and their right to choose how to live. This is the story of a girl
from small town Frederick, Maryland who traveled the world for fashion and influenced
American and international styles. She created sportwear, ballet flats and real pockets in
women’s clothing. Her designs were worn by women everywhere – from housewives to
Hollywood stars. She believed the clothing should enhance the woman’s natural figure
and fought against corsets and boning.

Dickinson included in her book the effects of political world events and how this shaped
public attitudes, laws, and the outcome of the fashion world. Did you know prior to
World War II, New York city was only thought of as a manufacturing center for clothing;
it was not thought of as a Fashion Capital? When the Nazis occupied Paris, the fashion
houses were shut down. New Yorkers rallied together and started creating their own
designs rather than just trying to copy Paris designs. Claire McCardell was at the center
of this amazing industry change and growth. Her designs captured the essence of what
American women wanted. She used fabrics that were not thought of for women, such as
denim. She pushed boundaries of what women could wear in public, especially with
swimsuits and athletic playsuits. She was a master of working within the L-85
restrictions on material during the war; her creativity thrived.

Nearing 40, she decided to marry her long-time friend, who was raising children on his
own. 15 years later when she died, she had developed a closeness to her stepson and step
daughter; they often expressed fond memories of her. She passed at the age of 51 from
cancer. Obituaries and tributes ran in newspapers all over America and Europe in honor
of this creative woman.

I totally enjoyed reading this book and learning about McCardell life and work and how
it intertwined among the events of the world. If you are looking for a good book about
the fashion industry, or just an interesting book, I highly recommend this one.