Benenson, Fira (1898-1977)

Person

Dates

Existence: 1898-1977

Biography

Fira Benenson was born in Baku, Russia around 1898. Her family relocated to New York after the Bolshevik revolution began in Russia. Benenson opened a dress shop on Madison Avenue partly to help out other Russian emigres. From 1934 to 1948, Benenson headed Bonwit and Teller's salon de couture. After leaving Bonwit and Teller, she opened her own boutique, focusing on designing for older clients. Throughout her life, Benenson traveled to Paris to see French fashion shows, only breaking her pattern during WWII. Benenson passed away in 1977.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Fira Benenson fashion illustrations

Collection

Identifier: SC.359

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of three original acrylic on board fashion illustrations by Fira Benenson for Bonwit Teller.

Dates: 1940

Found in: Special Collections and FIT Archive