Sills, B. Philip
Biography
Philip Sills was born in Latvia and at the age of 9, he came to join his parents, sister and two brothers in New York City. In 1946, Sills opened the firm of Sills & Co. His first clothing line consisted of a few well-made men's and women's leather jackets. In 1953, Bonnie Cashin was hired as the designer for Sills & Co. In 1958, Sills & Co. moved to a much larger location off of seventh avenue in New York City. In the 1960's, the label Bonnie Cashin for Sills & Co. extended its business overseas and into well known stores in the United States. During the 1960's, the label expanded to include tweeds, jerseys, hand-loomed knitwear, and some accessories along with suede and leather fashions. Cashin worked for Sills for 24 years until his retirement in 1977.
Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:
Bonnie Cashin collection
This collection holds Cashin's sketch designs with swatches, many of which were made for the leatherwear manufacturer, Philip Sills of Sills and Co. during the twenty-five years they worked together. There is also a collection of textile swatches, photographs, and documents.
Sills and Co. collection
Black and white and color illustrations of designs by Schiaparelli, Lanvin, Hermes, Jodelle, and Plucer from 1935-1936. Newspaper clippings of womenswear, leatherwear, and Sills & Co. publicity from 1947-1977.