Donald Brown scrapbook

Collection — Case: 1

Identifier: SC.325

Scope and Contents

This unbound oversized scrapbook consists of magazine clippings, photographic prints, original sketches, and envelopes containing correspondence adhered to heavy red backing paper (see physical details note). Photographs depict models wearing the work of Chanel, Heim, Molyneux and Schiaparelli, some with photographers Luigi Diaz and G.L Manuel et freres noted. Six of the sketches in the scrapbook are labeled Ardanse; the remaining 2 sketches are unsigned, but correspondence accompanying them indicates that they are by another unnamed illustrator and of Schiaparelli designs. Correspondence is signed Baronne de Gueue, Comtess G. de Gabriac, Mme. de la Beraudiere and Comtesse Alessandra de Bernis. Donald Brown is presumed to have created this book, but it is unclear why or what his connection to the fashion houses, designers and correspondents was.

Dates

Creation: circa 1936

Creator

Brown, Donald Winslow, 1898-1973, House of Ardanse (Firm) (Organization)

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 wish to schedule an appointment to view this material or have any questions, visit our website.

Conditions Governing Use

The Department of Special Collections and FIT Archive does not own copyright for all material held in its physical custody. It is the researcher's obligation to abide by and satisfy copyright law (http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#108) when copying or using materials (including digital materials) found in or made available from the department. When possible, the department will inform a researcher about the copyright status of material, the researcher's obligations with regard to such material, and, wherever possible, the owner or owners of the copyrights. Any and all reproduction of originals is at the archivist's discretion.

Biographical / Historical

The House of Ardanse, Paris, was founded by two Russian baronesses. The Baroness Accurti was the designer and her sister the Baroness Driesen was the managing director of the firm. Baroness Accurti worked for six months with Vionnet before opening the House of Ardanse in 1926. Donald Winslow Brown was a journalist born in Punxsutawney, PA. He was working for an unknown newspaper when he worked on the Paris fashion spread referred to in the scrapbook pages.

(The above biographical note was copied from a collection record in FIT's OneSearch library catalog; while no citations are present, it is presumed to have been researched and written by librarians.)

Full Extent

1.6 Linear Feet (One enclosure; loose pages sandwiched between board "covers" and tied.)

Full Extent

14 Sheets : Loose pages with items mounted to a heavyweight poster-stock red paper. Book is in very poor condition, and significant water damage has led to buckling of the paper and transfer of red dye from the backing paper to all of the content items. ; 22" x 14"

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This scrapbook is from the estate of Jeanne Brown Wells, niece of Donald Brown. Donated by Lynne A. Laukhuf, whose great uncle was Donald Winslow Brown.

Existence and Location of Originals

The Library of the Fashion Institute of Technology, Department of Special Collections and FIT Archive, 27th St. at 7th Ave., NY, NY , USA, 10001

Processing Information

Scrapbook was removed from an oversized box and rehoused (using stiff cover boards and cotton tie tape) by Julie Sandy Boyle, Apr 2026. New interleaving tissue was added, and correspondence was removed from envelopes adhered to pages and sleeved while maintaining original order.