“A designer is only as good as the star who wears her clothes”-Edith Head-
Today’s opening of Google lead me to squeal in excitement as I saw that the Google Doodle was dedicated to one of my favorite costume designers… “Edith Head“. High Five Google!
Edith Head-Costume Designer Extraordinaire!
Lets take a look at some of the amazing designs this 8 time Academy Award winning designer created during her very long career in Hollywood.
As the chief designer at Paramount for forty years, Head’s penchant for onscreen glamour produced some of the most formidable images in Hollywood history. Head understood the overarching importance of costuming; her most iconic looks balance the external demands of a film (lighting, set design, camera angles,) with the internal (the script, character arcs) to render a fully realized character.
Barbara Stanwyck, in a suit by Edith Head for the 1940 film “Remember the Night”.
Barbara Stanwyck ina stunning & elegant Edith Head Dress.
Bettie Davis in “All about Eve”.
A costume design image from “All About Eve”, featuring Bette Davis in the black dress above.
Source: Mutual Art
Madeleine Carroll Publicity Photo from the 1930s.
“Printed wool is high fashion this fall and winter. Edith Head has created this charming dinner dress of black imported wool covered with a pale blue bluebell print.
Following Madeleine’s favorite “basic” silhouette for dinner clothes, the designer has used a high-waisted, Empire line with a V decolletage, short sleeves and graceful back fullness in the bias skirt.” (Source).
Elizabeth Taylor in a pink peignoir set for the movie “Elephant Walk”-1954.
Love what you have seen? Want some style tips for Edith herself? Then pick up her book “How to Dress for Success” from 1967.
“You can do anything you want in life if you dress for it,” -Edith Head-
Thank you for stopping by and sharing in my love of Edith Head designs with me. These images are really only a small portion of the giant collection of clothes she created. I encourage you to do your own research to discover her designs and maybe you will find some new favorites in the process. If you do, I would LOVE to see what you have found.
Do you have a passion for fashion, but also a love for all things vintage? If so, then you won’t want to miss out on learning about one of the most iconic and timeless dress labels in history- Jonathan Logan. With its roots dating back to the 1940s, this brand has stood the test of time and continues to be a staple in the world of vintage fashion.
Join me as we delve into the history and unique style of Jonathan Logan, and discover why this brand has remained a favorite among fashion enthusiasts for decades. From its humble beginnings to its enduring legacy, get ready to explore the world of Jonathan Logan and unlock the secrets of its enduring appeal.
Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Note: If you click on an item and it is no longer available, don’t fret! The websites I have provided are updated daily with 1000’s of new & vintage items. Just do a quick search and see what you find.
Jonathan Logan-A Classic Vintage Dress Label
Yup I can hear already what you are saying…”WOW!”, “Beautiful!”, “where can I get one?”, see why I’m obsessed and that is only picture one!
THE FASHION HISTORY
The Company was founded in 1944 by David Schwartz with a small arsenal of dedicated employees, including the first designer of the label “Doris Varnum” and quickly became known for their excellent quality and classic styles (vintage fashion guild).
I’m already picturing myself in this dress 🙂 As you can see from the Ad above the label was sold at Department stores all across the country, so you were never far away from being able to purchase a Jonathan Logan dress (wish that was the case today).
In the late 1950’s, Doris was replaced with designer Jeanne Carr. Here are some 1950’s designs (Note: some of these designs might be Doris designs as Jeanne did not start designing to late 1950’s but I’m unsure what is considered “late”):
By the 1960’s the Jonathan Logan label become the largest ready to wear company in the USA. 1963 actually recorded $100 million in annual sales, unheard of for a women’s clothing company and it also became the first women’s clothing company to be listed on the New York Stock exchange (Jewish Virtual Library).
The label eventually spread its wings into 14 different brands, each geared to a different consumer group. Some of the those lines included “Butte Knit” specializing in knitted apparel at a time that classification was just beginning to flourish. “Bleeker Street” in 1966 to promote the Carnaby Street Boutique popularity (Carnaby St in London, England by the 1960’s was where you could find the “Mod” & “Hippy” styles-Wikipedia), a line that was in existence till 1974.
Schwartz guided Logan until 1964, when he appointed his son president and chief operating officer but remained as chairman. Richard Schwartz was then 25 years old, the youngest president of any business on the New York Stock Exchange (Jewish Virtual Library).
By 1985 though the Schwartz family sold their interest in the company and moved onto other business ventures.
Today the Jonathan Logan labels are very popular for Vintage lovers (especially the 1950’s designs) and can be found on Etsy & eBay with some of the early designs costing into the hundreds to purchase.
Jonathan Logan Dresses Real Life Examples
(Updated Feb 2024)
1950s Vintage Shopping: I have created a collection on Etsy featuring 1950s fashions & more Jonathan logan dresses that I update monthly. Visit HERE.
Note: If you click on an item and it is no longer available, don’t fret! The websites I have provided are updated daily with 1000’s of new & vintage items. Just do a quick search and see what you find.
“Let’s play tic-tac-toe” -1952 Jonathan Logan light-weight silk taffeta in a dijon-mustard yellow with a cute black tic-tac-toe print (avail as of Feb, 2024 HERE).
The original 1950s ad (or catalog page) states: “Let’s play tic-tac-toe in this mesmerizing silk taffeta designed by Jonathan Logan with cleverly detailed kerchief at neck. A wonderful wide skirt which remains full with or without crinoline. The simple black button trim on bodice and sleeves plus shiny patent belt afford excellent contrast with this conversation-making print. $14.95”.
1960s Jonathan Logan Hot Pink Mid-Century Print Dagger Collar Dress.
Source: Etsy
1950’s/60’s White and Blue Jonathan Logan Floral Fit and Flare Summer Dress (avail as of Feb 2024 HERE).
Source: Etsy
1950s original pink red check Jonathan Logan cotton dress and jacket.
Source: Etsy
1950’s Jonathan Logan impressionist monet-esque floral dress & matching bolero with portrait collar.
Source: Etsy
1950’s Striped Cotton Johnathan Logan Fit and Flare.
Source: Etsy
When you can find a deadstock dress, that is a true vintage find (meaning never worn, tags on). Here is a stunner of a deadstock 1950s Jonathan Logan dress in the shirtwaist style that was oh so popular.
Gosh I love this dress!
Source: Etsy
Spring is the perfect time to wear this stunning 1950s Jonathan Logan, gathered floral chiffon skirt over blue bias (circle) skirt cocktail dress. LOVE IT!
Source: Etsy
A beautiful vintage 1950’s dropped waist dress by Jonathan Logan. The bottom layer is a pink/white micro check and the top layer is a white lace.
Source: Etsy
Floaty chiffon 1950s vintage aqua & pink floral party dress. STUNNING!
Source: Etsy
1950s Vintage Jonathan Logan Yellow Full Pleated Skirt Cotton Dress.
Source: Etsy
1950s Jonathan Logan brown striped dress. Perfect for Fall!
Source: Etsy
Pink Striped 1950s Jonathan Logan Dress.
Source: Etsy
Jonathan Logan 1950’s mint condition dress. So Pretty!
Source: Etsy
Jonathan Logan 1950s two piece women’s suit (skirt & jacket).
Etsy
I only own one 1970’s dress and it’s my grandmothers from my parents wedding day. It’s a stunner. This I will be honest, is also a stunner. A 1970s Jonathan Logan, Dead-Stock Chevron Stripe Autumn Maxi Dress. The colours are just fantastic!
Source: Etsy
I hope you enjoyed this blog post and I also hope I helped you discover a new vintage designer. I know that I will be online window shopping later on today for a Jonathan Logan dress to add to my collection. Will you?
