The Influence Of Florence Eiseman Clothes
This woman, who became one of the most influential designers of clothes for children, started at as a housewife. When Florence Eiseman became a mother, she taught herself to sew and began making clothes for her boys and other children living nearby. Her husband, Laurence was looking for a way to supplement their income and he saw her talent. He took some of her organdy pinafores to a buyer at Marshall Field and Company and returned home with a large order. This marked the birth of an impressive career.
The first order was completed by women who sewed in their own homes. There was a great emphasis on quality and many details, like hems were completed by hand. Buttonholes were bound and French seams were used for extra strength. After a few years the business had expanded to the point where it was moved into a factory and eventually more designers came on board.
However, Florence never lost ultimate control over the designs, ensuring that her brand was preserved. She insisted that children should not be made to look like little adults. Their clothing should always be practical, comfortable and never detract from their natural beauty.
Her desire to make children as comfortable as possible in her clothes meant doing away with the tight waistbands, ruffles and flounces popular at the time. Her empire waistlines and trapeze shapes as well as one piece clothing for toddlers were the first of their kind. Knits were also introduced at reasonable prices so they could be worn every day.
All the clothing was made to the highest standards, including wide hems and adjustable buttons that prolonged their life. Later, another hem was added by one of the designers. It could be released by pulling a string once the child had outgrown the current hem. Initially, there were worries that the clothing was too expensive but when people its quality and how long it lasted, they were more than willing to buy.
Bright colors, clean lines, appliques and quality fabrics made this clothing stand out. Celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and the Kennedy's dressed their children in these clothes. Just ten years after starting her business, she received the Nieman Marcus award, becoming the first designer for children to receive this award for her contribution to fashion.
The brand was expanded over the years to include swimsuit designs for women and a couture line harking back to the high quality garments produced in the early years. In the 1980s day-to-day involvement in the business became too much for Florence due to ill-health and head designer, Teri Shapiro was left in charge. She had worked long enough under her mentor to make sure that the brand stayed true to her vision.
Florence died in 1988 but her brand continues to be associated with quality. The clothes are fresh and up to date without losing their classic touch and great attention to detail. A unique collection of coveralls, swimwear and dresses, in playful prints and stripes are available from many online stores.
The first order was completed by women who sewed in their own homes. There was a great emphasis on quality and many details, like hems were completed by hand. Buttonholes were bound and French seams were used for extra strength. After a few years the business had expanded to the point where it was moved into a factory and eventually more designers came on board.
However, Florence never lost ultimate control over the designs, ensuring that her brand was preserved. She insisted that children should not be made to look like little adults. Their clothing should always be practical, comfortable and never detract from their natural beauty.
Her desire to make children as comfortable as possible in her clothes meant doing away with the tight waistbands, ruffles and flounces popular at the time. Her empire waistlines and trapeze shapes as well as one piece clothing for toddlers were the first of their kind. Knits were also introduced at reasonable prices so they could be worn every day.
All the clothing was made to the highest standards, including wide hems and adjustable buttons that prolonged their life. Later, another hem was added by one of the designers. It could be released by pulling a string once the child had outgrown the current hem. Initially, there were worries that the clothing was too expensive but when people its quality and how long it lasted, they were more than willing to buy.
Bright colors, clean lines, appliques and quality fabrics made this clothing stand out. Celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and the Kennedy's dressed their children in these clothes. Just ten years after starting her business, she received the Nieman Marcus award, becoming the first designer for children to receive this award for her contribution to fashion.
The brand was expanded over the years to include swimsuit designs for women and a couture line harking back to the high quality garments produced in the early years. In the 1980s day-to-day involvement in the business became too much for Florence due to ill-health and head designer, Teri Shapiro was left in charge. She had worked long enough under her mentor to make sure that the brand stayed true to her vision.
Florence died in 1988 but her brand continues to be associated with quality. The clothes are fresh and up to date without losing their classic touch and great attention to detail. A unique collection of coveralls, swimwear and dresses, in playful prints and stripes are available from many online stores.
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