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Finger, Mildred (1924-1995)

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1924-1995

Biography

"Mildred Finger Haines ... helped shape fashion tastes for four decades as a top buyer for department stores and a consultant to clothes makers and retailers.... From the late 1940's through the late 1960's, Mrs. Haines, known throughout her career as Mildred Finger, was a buyer of ready-to-wear at Macy's, Ohrbach's and Bergdorf Goodman, and was one of New York City's most often cited taste makers. At Bergdorf's, in particular, she was noted for bringing European styles to American consumers. She later became Vice President of Charles of the Ritz, headed fashion merchandising for Yves St. Laurent and became an independent consultant, with clients like the Limited and Arthur D. Little. Suffering from multiple sclerosis, she retired in 1986. In succeeding years, she frequently contributed her knowledge of the fashion industry to the oral history projects of the American Jewish Committee and the Fashion Institute of Technology...." New York Times Obituary, 1995

Found in 113 Collections and/or Records:

Lilian Sloan interview, 1982 September 1, 1982 September 1

 Item
Identifier: SC.FITA.3.20.4.9.8.7
Scope and Contents

Lillian Sloan, former shop owner who bought from Maurice Rentner for many years, reflecting on Maurice Rentner.

Dates: 1982 September 1

Liz Claiborne interview, 1990 July 10 and 17, 1990 July 10 and 17

 Item
Identifier: SC.FITA.3.20.4.9.1.12
Scope and Contents

This interview with Liz Claiborne discusses her experiences as she worked her way up as a designer. She describes her past work with designers and firms such as Ben Reig, Omar Kiam, Dave Schwartz, Juniorite, and the Rhea manufacturing company. Claiborne provides insight to the growth of her own company and all of the factors that go into the production of it.

Dates: 1990 July 10 and 17