Hampton Coat Co.

Organization

Dates

Existence: 1925 - circa 1940

Biography

Founded in 1925 by Helen Cookman, Isadore Appel and A. Silverstein, Hampton Coat Co. was a 7th Avenue manufacturer of coats and suits. Cookman originally served as Vice President and Sales Manager until she bought out her two partners in 1928. in 1930, Cookman took on the role of head designer and the company moved its operations from 251 W. 36th St. to the more exclusive custom district, taking up residence at 15 W. 47th St. in 1931. Even amid the Great Depression, the company remained firmly committed to quality. Cookman believed quality and line were the two most important elements in a garment. The company produced moderate to high priced garments; one of the best-selling skirts in 1931 retailed at $45, which would be about $700 for inflation in 2015 dollars. Last mention of the company appearing in Women's Wear Daily was in 1940, noting financial troubles and a pending reorganization by Cookman to try to keep the business afloat.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Hampton Coat Co. collection, 1930-1950s

Collection

Identifier: SC.34

Scope and Contents

The bulk of this collection is comprised of sketches of women's outerwear produced by the Hampton Coat Co.. Additional materials include press clippings, reorder charts, correspondence and accounting records.

Dates: 1930-1950s (bulk circa 1930-1949)

Found in: Special Collections and FIT Archive