Women’s History Month presents the perfect opportunity to consider the many women who have influenced and reformed the fashion industry throughout history. Names like Vivienne Westwood, Coco Chanel, Vera Wang, and Miuccia Prada are well-known and instantly recognizable. However, there are other women who are often forgotten, but also deserve recognition during this important month.
Bonnie Cashin: Uncomplicated, Innovative Clothing
Bonnie Cashin was just as influential in the fashion industry as the other women mentioned above, and she was key to introducing suede and leather into the fashion industry. More notably, she turned Coach, a then men’s fashion wallet brand, into a brand beloved by women. Bonnie designed practical clothing for modern women in the post-war era, including sportswear. She began making ready-to-wear clothing– a first of its kind– throughout this time and was known for being intellectual, independent, and highly opinionated. Cashin began her career interestingly enough in costume design for Hollywood before making her career move in the fashion industry. She also had an undercover assignment designing women’s uniforms for WWII. Cashin eventually retired from fashion in 1985.
Ann Lowe: Designed for Jackie Kennedy
Ann Lowe not only holds the designation of being a noted female fashion designer, but she also happens to be the first African American designer to become a celebrated fashion designer in America. Her designs were proudly worn by various high society members throughout the 1920s and into the 1960s. Perhaps her most famous contribution was designing the incredible wedding dress worn by then Jacqueline Bouvier when she wed Senator John F. Kennedy, who would later become the President of the United States of America. Ann Lowe was perhaps best known for paving the way for other African American designers throughout her 50-year career in the industry. In addition to Mrs. Kennedy, she was known to have other prominent clientele, such as the Rockefellers, and Marjorie Merriweather.
Jeanne Lanvin: Fashion House Still Going Strong
French-born Jeanne Lavin was renowned for her modern and elegant fashion offerings and served the role of fashion pioneer who happily pushed the boundaries and sought to alter the way people thought about clothes and fashion in general. She was a contemporary of Coco Chanel; perhaps this has led to her legacy being a bit overshadowed by the more well-known designer. However, the fashion house that Lanvin founded is still going strong and stands as one of the oldest continuous presences within the fashion world. She drew inspiration for her designs from traveling, the artists of her time, and virtually everything around her. Lanvin was known for being inventive and curious. Her key focus was elegance, modernity, and femininity and her designs stood out in the 1920s thanks to her bold use of decorative techniques and innovative colors. Called “Madame” by her staff, Lavin was self-taught and could not draw, but loved working with interesting materials.
Unforgettable Women
Although the women listed above might be less well known when compared to others in the fashion industry, they each paved the way within the market for other women to successfully come after them. Their contributions, forward thought and courageous efforts should not be overlooked.
Photo/image by Prince Akachi on Unsplash.
Sources