Jenkins, Elinor
Biography
New York couture designer for the "smart set" from the 1940's through the 1960's. She and her husband designed dresses, gowns and ensembles for day, dinner, evening and gala occasions. She was known for customizing her designs to her clients' specifications and personalities. Her belief that clothes should be spontaneous and witty appealed to favored clients like Tallulah Bankhead, Hildegarde, Kitty Carlisle, Barbara Stanwyck, and Claudette Colbert. She began her career in the late 1930's at Hickson's, at that time the largest and most elegant house of couture in America. It was at that establishment that she met her husband, Frank, who was creative director. In the 40's they set up their own firm in New York, Jenkins Gowns, Inc. Besides designing for a circle of loyal customers, they designed costumes for many Broadway shows. Elinor studied painting at the National Academy of Design at Norton School of Art, and exhibited in New York in the 1960's. Some of her paintings and gowns are in the collection of the Museum of the City of New York.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
Elinor Jenkins collection
Black and white, and color sketches with swatches, advertisements and promotional material, client information, biographical material, including news clippings, photographs and postcards sent to Jenkins, historical source material.