“LA MODE” AMERICAN: A HISTORY OF THE MODERN AMERICAN FASHION INDUSTRY (1930s-1950s)
“LA MODE” AMERICAN: A HISTORY OF THE MODERN AMERICAN FASHION INDUSTRY (1930s-1950s)

Summary/Abstract: Name a top figure in the American fashion industry. One would think Calvin Klein, Oscar de la Renta, Anne Wintour (despite not being American). Name a top figure in the same industry ninety years ago. Stumped? The modern American style was fashioned beginning in the 1930s by strong women from Claire McCardell to Eleanor Lambert, weak and strong economics, and ever-changing social norms. But most people do not picture the modern American style with these factors. Some do not even know McCardell or Lambert existed. The purpose of this paper is to fill the knowledge gap on the origins of the modern American style and the transfer of full power from the European fashion capital, Paris, to power shared with New York City.

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