This collection is comprised of original sketches and photographs, business and promotional materials, and materials related to the fashion career of George Simonton as well as his work at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Simonton, George3 folders of Ramona Ramos' school work when she was a student at FIT. Includes sketches, examples of sewing, biographies of designers, paper patterns, report on millinery history, machine skills course work, and collages.
Ramos, RamonaChair of the Textile Development and Marketing Department Ingrid Johnson discusses developments in textile studies since her start at FIT in 1981. Johnson notes that course work has evolved from a more science-oriented approach to one that favors reverse-engineering textiles to fit end-use applications. She then illustrates the end-use applications of various fibers. Johnson describes her work as a home furnishing fabric developer before being recruited by Arthur Price to join FIT, and goes on to discuss successful alumni placement at companies such as Liz Claiborne, J. Crew, and Patagonia. Johnson notes the complexity of international sourcing and product development, and then describes the invention of EcoSpun, a recycled polyester textile, patented by alumni of the program. She discusses close connections with the industry and professional organizations such as the Textile Distributors Association. Finally, she describes the demographics of FIT’s student body and how the school attracts students with its international reputation.
Johnson, Ingrid, 1951-Allan Hershfield, who had been the president of FIT for 2.5 years at the time of this interview, elucidates the qualities that set the school apart from other higher education institutions by explaining the school’s direction and high placement percentages. He details close relationships with the industry via advisory councils such as the Fragrance Action Council and emphasizes the economic impact of the apparel industry on the city of New York. Hershfield talks a bit about the international nature of the workforce and describes a soon-to-be FIT design incubator. He also mentions the board of trustees and describes FIT’s advantageous status as both a SUNY school and community college. Hershfield then delves into the Educational Foundation and scholarships made possible by founders such as Morris Haft. He describes the bi-partisan legislative support FIT receives, and finally, discusses student projects and a particularly underestimated alum who became an extremely successful bridal designer.
Poll, CarolEllen Goldstein, the Chair of the Accessories Design and Millinery Department, started with FIT’s Fashion Design Department as a part-time instructor. In 1981, the school received a federal grant for industries affected by imports and was able to start an accessories department. With additional support from the industry, the department has taken off. Goldstein explains her beginnings as a tapestry weaver and how she got into handbag design. She then describes the demographics of her department’s diverse student body. She discusses how both the 1-year and 2-year program are feeding the accessories industry and how FIT’s millinery program has revitalized an industry thought to be dead.
Goldstein, EllenPeter Scotese, the Chair of the board of trustees at FIT, joined in 1970. He discusses his appointment to the Board of Education and his advantageous textile manufacturing experience as the CEO of Spring Industries. Scotese lists board members he worked with at the start and later notes how the board has increased its reach. He describes the on-going support that the Educational Foundation for the Fashion Industries provides FIT and touts the unique offerings of the school such as the Shirley Goodman Resource Center. Scotese also mentions industry support and the ways in which adjunct professors provide a contemporary vocational education to the students at FIT. He then discusses various departments and how their growth is shaped by the industry. To illustrate, he mentions Andrew Goodman and the founding of the buying and merchandising department. Scotese says that the fur industry is pushing FIT to build a program, and that he sees quite a lot of opportunity in the emergence of home fashions. Finally, Scotese explains his Horatio Alger award and pays homage to successful designers such as Emilio Pucci, Nicole Miller, Ralph Lauren, and Calvin Klein.
Poll, CarolThis interview opens with Mollie Parnis talking about her latest project, a prize for three young journalists that she began in memory of her son. She then segues into the origins of her company and her early biography. She commenced her career by designing blouses after being frustrated at the quality of the designs while working in a design showroom on Madison Avenue. The Parnis-Livingston company began in a studio Seventh Avenue about five-years after Mollie Parnis and Leon Livingston married in 1930, with Mollie designing and Leon managing the business needs. After her husband died in 1960 she closed the business for three-months. Diana Vreeland convinced Mollie to stay open by putting two of her sketches in Harper’s Bazaar. The name of the business remained Parnis-Livingston until 1970 when it changed to Mollie Parnis. She now has three divisions: Mollie Parnis, Inc.; Mollie Parnis Studio; and Mollie Parnis at Home. Upon success, she began doing philanthropic work, including a grant foundation called “Mollie Parnis Dress up Your Neighborhood”; scholarships at FIT and Parsons; and the aforementioned journalistic prizes. Topics touched on include: the impersonalization of the current fashion industry; her friendship with various First Ladies, including Mamie Eisenhower, Lady Bird Johnson, and Nancy Reagan; how the changes in the industry have necessitated changes in her business-model, including the prevalence of licensing from designers in the 1980s.
Parnis, MollieThis collection is comprised of oral history interviews with prominent twentieth- and twenty-first-century fashion industry businesspeople, designers, and artists, as well as members of the FIT faculty and staff.
Fashion Institute of Technology (New York, N.Y.). Gladys Marcus LibraryThe Museum at FIT records are arranged into six (6) series; they are Administrative records, Exhibition records, Promotional material, Symposia records, Correspondence, and Fashion Culture records.
Photographs of professors and students desiging clothes, working on dress forms, doing research in museums, working in the design room, learning draping, making children's clothing, working from patterns, and sketching designs.
This collection is comprised of materials pertraining to Norman Norell millinery designs. It contains handwritten notes that describe Halston hats. Also included are thirty-one photos of Halston hats and pen sketches of design details of hats from Spring 1965.
Norell, Norman, 1900-1972This collection is contains 262 original fashion sketches by John Derro.
Derro, JohnZandra Rhodes runway fashion show videos, some choreographed by Derek Jarman and Ron Link. Collection includes:
- 1978 June: London Show
- 1982 May 1: Fashion Show- La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art
- 1983 October: Spring/Summer 1984 Fashion Spectacular Fables of the Sea
- 1985 October: Spring/Summer 1986 Spanish Impressions 2nd show
- Autumn/Winter 1985 India Revisited
- Spring/Summer 1985
- Autumn/Winter 1986 March Ode to Woman
- 1987 December: Seibu Sari Show Tokyo, at the Seed Hall
- Autumn/Winter 1987 Wish Upon a Star
- Autumn/Winter 1988 'Elements of Woman' Show Pillar Hall Olympia
- Spring/Summer Fantastic Flower Garden Show
- Spring/Summer 1989 Venetian Splendor
- Autumn/Winter 1989 Queen of Hearts
- Spring/Summer 1990 Zandra Goes Hollywood
- Autumn/Winter 1991 Celestial Bodies
- Spring/Summer 1991 Flower Power
- Autumn/Winter 1992 Pretty Woman
- Spring/Summer 1992 Cinderella Dreams in Color
- Autumn/Winter 1995 An Unfinished Symphony
- Spring/Summer 1995
- Autumn/Winter 1996-97 Pologeorgis
- 1998 February 14: Fashion Show
This collection contains sketches, photographs and scrapbooks pertaining to the career of fashion designer Joseph Whitehead.
Whitehead, JosephThis collection is comprised of 27 original womenswear sketches by former FIT professor Ted Roberts.
Roberts, TedThis collection is comprised of 19 folders containing sketches of womenswear by Martin Unger. Some of the sketches have fabric samples attached. There are several photocopied versions of the sketches. Multiple folders within the collection features sketches of designs by other designers. Included within the collection are press materials and a brief article about Martin Unger.
Unger, MartinThis collection is comprised of press clippings, photographs, correspondence, and other materials relating to the designs of Madame Eta Hentz for "Ren-Eta" and "Eta."
Hentz, Eta, 1895-1986This collections is comprised of seventeen (17) 18x16" black and white framed photographs by Bill Cunninham taken at the Grand Divertissement à Versailles in 1973. Persons featured in photographs include Marisa Berenson, Karen Bjornson, Alva Chinn, Dennis Christopher, Pat Cleveland, Bill Dugan, Heidi Lieberfarb, China Machado, Nancy North, Chris Royer, Ramona Saunders, and Andy Warhol. Also included in the collection are twenty-five (25) 17 x 11" original marker sketches by Halston and a program for the Grand Divertissement à Versailles.
North, NancyThis collection contains four folders of fashion sketches accumulated as part of subscription services.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from 1944. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side. Also, included are magazine and newspaper clippings.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from 1943. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from 1942. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side. Also, included are promotional materials.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from 1941. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side.
This folder contains a black and white photograph depicting a clothed women wearing a Victor hats from 1940. The photograph includes a typed description attached.
This folder contains a scrapbook that includes magazine press releases that date from 1941-1965. Also, included is a black and white photograph depicting a clothed woman wearing a Victor hat.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats for film costumes. Some photographs include typed descriptions attached and have handwritten notes on the reverse side. Also, included is a cardboard with handwritten notes.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women, girls and a mannequin head wearing Victor hats. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from the 1960s. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from the 1960s. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from 1967. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side. Also, included are descriptive reports for press releases.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from 1939 and 1940. Some photographs include typed descriptions attached and handwritten notes on the reverse side.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from 1966. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side. Also, included are descriptive reports for press releases.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from 1965. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side. Also, included are descriptive reports for press releases.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from 1964. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side. Also, included are descriptive reports for press releases and a newspaper press release.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from the 1940s. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from 1963. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side. Also, included are descriptive reports for press releases.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from 1962. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side. Also, included are descriptive reports for press releases.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from 1961. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side. Also, included are descriptive reports for press releases.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from 1961. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from 1960. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side. Also, included are descriptive reports for press releases.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from the 1950s. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from 1938. Some photographs include typed descriptions attached and handwritten notes on the reverse side.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from the 1940s. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from 1959. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side. Also, included are descriptive reports for press releases.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from 1959. The hat designs are inspired by Russian culture. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side. Also, included are descriptive reports for press releases.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from 1958. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side. Also, included are descriptive reports for press releases.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from 1957. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side. Also, included are descriptive reports for press releases.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from 1956. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side. Also, included are descriptive reports for press releases and a magazine press release.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from 1955. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side. Also, included are exhibition photographs of Victor designs and descriptive reports for press releases.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from 1954. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side. Also, included are descriptive reports for press releases.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from 1953. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side. Also, included are descriptive reports for press releases.
This folder contains 2 black and white photographs. One depicts First Lady Mamie Eisenhower wearing a Victor Airwaves hat for the Presidential inauguration and the other photograph depicts a clothed woman wearing the same hat. The latter included a typed description.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women and mannequin heads wearing Victor hats from 1937. Some photographs include typed descriptions attached.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from 1952. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side. Also, included are descriptive reports for press releases.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from 1951. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side. Also, included are descriptive reports for press releases.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from 1950. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side. Also, included are descriptive reports for press releases.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women and mannequin heads wearing Victor hats from the 1940s. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women and mannequin heads wearing Victor hats from the 1940s. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side.
This folder contains black and white photographs depicting clothed women wearing Victor hats from 1949. Most photographs include typed descriptions attached and some have handwritten notes on the reverse side.