Tuesday, December 21, 2010

AD: Pan American Leather Factory


Last year, I acquired a box of ephemera documenting one lady's travel history across South America.
This brochure features the Pan American Leather Factory with some fine examples of Alligator Handbags, circa late 1950s via Montevideo, Uraguay.


Tuesday, February 23, 2010

1940s Dress: In the Flesh...


Remember My friend Kathy, who previous entries ago, allowed me to photograph her mother's beautiful dresses for your viewing pleasure? She also allowed me to copy this photograph in which her mother is wearing the blue dress. She has attached a nosegay onto the front of the dress. Isn't she beautiful? Her place of employment had her pose for many photographs. Maybe someday I can post of few of those here too.

Please don't use without permission out of respect for my friend.

Thank you!

New Beginnings...

I've had a lot of upheaval in my personal life, and unfortunately my blog ambitions have suffered.

I plan to keep in touch more often, starting this week. I have a new studio to work in, and will post pics here later on.

Thank you!

Monday, November 30, 2009

Etsy: Donovan Galvani Blouse



History: Donovan Galvani of Dallas

News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Dallas Obituaries | Dallas-Fort Worth News

Posted using ShareThis

"Born in Chicago, Mr. Galvani graduated fifth in his high school class and received a scholarship to the University of Chicago, where he graduated with honors in 1933.

He had a 20-year career in the garment industry in Chicago – rising from assistant comptroller to vice president of Reliance Manufacturing Co. – before moving to Dallas in 1953.

Mr. Galvani was recruited to be executive vice president of Justin McCarty Inc. in Dallas. Two years later, he purchased Donovan Manufacturing Co., which he renamed Donovan-Galvani of Dallas.

Mr. Galvani's son said his father liked the potential of the Dallas garment company, whose owner had lost the fire to succeed in the competitive business. Mr. Galvani used all his assets except his home and his life insurance policy to buy the company.

He started marketing the firm's garments to small-town dress shops, a change that helped make the business profitable the first year under his leadership. He also shared his success with his employees by introducing profit-sharing and a pension plan. He promoted his garments as

" 'Champagne styling at working-girl prices.' "



Wednesday, November 4, 2009

1940s Dress. Kathy's Mom.






Another Lovely dress my friend Kathy allowed me to showcase here. This dress was worn and possibly handmade by her mother in the 1940s. I hope soon to post a little more about her- she was a real beauty who was often called on to model back in the day; I'll ask Kathy to share a little about her.

Meanwhile, here is a dress she wore, and if I am not mistaken, for some sort of beauty pageant.

Note The Sleeves: I love how they were sewn and pleated to maintain their fullness.

Enjoy!

PREVIEW: 1950s/60s Chiffon Formal by Mardi Gras.







FEATURES:

Rhinestone Spaghetti Straps;
Sequined and Beaded Bodice;
Chiffon Overlay Skirt;
Golden Yellow!