Bonnie Cashin- American Designer

BONNIE CASHIN , American Fashion Designer

From Wiki- 

Bonnie Cashin (September 28, 1907 – February 3, 2000) is considered one of the most significant pioneers of designer ready-to-wear, more commonly called sportswear, in America. Among the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful designers of the 20th century, Cashin was revered for her intellectual, artistic, and independent approach to fashion. Treating clothing as collage or kinetic art, she sculpted designs from luxurious organic materials including leather and mohair, both of which she first championed as appropriate for high-end fashion, as well as tweed, cashmere, and wool jersey. She initiated the use of industrial hardware on clothing and accessories, most famously with the brass toggle that she incorporated into her handbag designs for Coach, the company for which she launched a women accessories division in 1962. Favoring timeless shapes from the history of world clothing, her staple silhouettes included ponchos, tunics, Noh coats and kimonos, all of which allowed for ease of movement and manufacture. Cashin is also credited with introducing the concept of layering to fashion.

Last week I watched the film Laura starring Gene Tierney and Dana Andrews. Great film-- but EXCEPTIONAL costume design by Bonnie Cashin. I think it is important to recognize American Design and keep it in the public eye to encourage American students, and introduce to our strong and authentic American design.  Hollywood costume design is quite American, and quite beautiful. here are some images, below.