Draddy, Vincent de Paul (1907-1990)
Dates
- Existence: 1907-1990
Biography
Vincent de Paul Draddy (1907 - 1990) was an America fashion manufacturer. After graduating from Manhattan College, Draddy worked as a salesman for Union Carbide. During that time, he met and married Ruth Crystal. Crystal's father, David Crystal, owned a women's separates manufacturing firm and invited Draddy to work for the company in 1934. From 1934 to 1974, Draddy worked for David Crystal Inc. In 1937, he hired British designer Jack Izod to design a line of womens shirts. The venture proved successful and the firm expanded into men's and children's wear. In 1950, Draddy became interested in the Lacoste knit shirt. He began producing a collection of them for the American market. To spark interest in the garment, Draddy sent samples to Bing Crosby, Duke of Windsor, and others. By the end of the decade, the garment was the best-selling sports shirt in the $10 retail price range. Draddy retired in 1974 and passed away in 1990.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
Vincent de Paul Draddy interview, 1982 April 1 & June 2, 1982 April 1 & June 2
The Oral History Project of the Fashion Industries began informally in the late 1970s, and was officially funded by a grant from the Educational Foundation for the Fashion Industries beginning in 1981. The project was guided by an industry advisory committee chaired by Mrs. William Randolph Hearst, Jr., and was largely guided by then director of the Gladys Marcus Library at FIT, John Touhey.