Doris Shaw interview, 1990 January 27, 1990 January 27
Scope and Contents
Conducted by Estelle Ellis in the late 1980s into the early 1990s, this is a series of oral history interviews of executives who worked for Saks Fifth Avenue throughout the 20th century. Interviewees discuss the goals of the store's president, Adam Gimbel, others they worked with, and the fashion retail industry, and the various experiences they had while working for Saks Fifth Avenue.
Interviewees include: Arnold Aronson, Bill Berta, Mel Jacobs, Allan R. Johnson, Paul Leblang, Helen O'Hagan, Jay Rossbach, Ellen Saltzman, Doris Shaw, Robert Suslow, Burton Tansky, Norman Wechsler, Charlotte Kramer, Sid Mayar, Janet Reese, and William Lucas
Dates
- Creation: 1990 January 27
Creator
- Finger, Mildred (1924-1995) (Person)
- Shaw, Doris, 1921-2019 (1921 September 12-2019 March 16) (Person)
Language of Materials
English Latin
Conditions Governing Access
Access is open to researchers by appointment at the Fashion Institute of Technology Library, Department of Special Collections and FIT Archive. If you have any questions, or wish to schedule an appointment contact us at [email protected] or call (212) 217-4385.
Biographical / Historical
"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
Biographical / Historical
Doris Shaw was born on September 12, 1921, in Richmond, Virginia to Barnett H. Garey and Cora Wachsman Garey as one of eight children. As an adult, she worked in creative retail marketing, dating back to her first assignment after graduating from Newark School of Fine Arts in 1942. She landed her first paying job as assistant art director at Loeser's Department Store in Brooklyn when she was 21.
Shaw's talent in directing advertising, published across all media and communication channels, led her to become the first woman to head up Marketing at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's, and Abraham & Straus (now Macy's). She was the Editor-in-Chief at House Beautiful magazine. She also gave talks to the Marketing and Fashion community, and was interviewed and published in design magazines and blogs. Shaw passed away in March, 2019.
Full Extent
From the Sub-Group: 1 placeholder
Physical Description
Original media: 1 audio cassette
General
"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
General
Doris Shaw was born on September 12, 1921, in Richmond, Virginia to Barnett H. Garey and Cora Wachsman Garey as one of eight children. As an adult, she worked in creative retail marketing, dating back to her first assignment after graduating from Newark School of Fine Arts in 1942. She landed her first paying job as assistant art director at Loeser's Department Store in Brooklyn when she was 21.
Shaw's talent in directing advertising, published across all media and communication channels, led her to become the first woman to head up Marketing at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's, and Abraham & Straus (now Macy's). She was the Editor-in-Chief at House Beautiful magazine. She also gave talks to the Marketing and Fashion community, and was interviewed and published in design magazines and blogs. Shaw passed away in March, 2019.
General
Published
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections and FIT Archive Repository