Jo Copeland collection, circa 1930-1959
Scope and Contents
This collection includes letters, art gallery catalogues, documents relating to Copeland's lecturing, press clippings from the 1930's through the 1960's, and fashion sketches. Some of the sketches are from subscription services such as Elsie Cobin and Paris Fashion Services, while others are probably Copeland's own work.
Dates
- Creation: 1930-1959
Creator
- Copeland, Jo, 1899-1982 (1899-1982) (Person)
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.
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
Jo Copeland was born in New York City in 1899. She graduated from both the Parsons School of Design and the Art Students League. While studying at Parsons, she was spotted by Rose Amado of Patullo Modes and brought into the firm as a design trainee. She eventually became a full time designer for them. After a brief venture with Ann Sadowsky in 1930, she returned to Patullo Modes. By 1936 she became a partner and the firm changed its name to Patullo-Jo Copeland. After closing Patullo-Jo Copeland in 1970, Copeland accepted a position with Lisa Meril.
Copeland was a designer of upscale, ready-to-wear clothing, remembered for designing the woman's two-piece suit that was meant to be worn without a blouse, and for her "after five" ensembles for dinner or the theater. Her work style was unique: she draped on her own body in front of a mirror, playing with the fabric until she was satisfied. Copeland was one of the earliest designers to have her name on the garment's label and in advertising copy. Before World War II broke out, Copeland often traveled to Europe to see the couture shows. After the war, she began to stress the importance of American designs, calling on the US fashion industry to become more independent from French fashion. Copeland received the Neiman Marcus Award for best designer of the year in 1944, and in 1961, she received the award of Chevalier de l'Ordre Courtoise Français. Copeland taught at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and was on the advisory board of the Parsons School of Design. Jo Copeland passed away on March 20th, 1982.
Full Extent
1 placeholder
Language of Materials
Undetermined
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
General
Jo Copeland was born in New York City in 1899. She graduated from both the Parsons School of Design and the Art Students League. While studying at Parsons, she was spotted by Rose Amado of Patullo Modes and brought into the firm as a design trainee. She eventually became a full time designer for them. After a brief venture with Ann Sadowsky in 1930, she returned to Patullo Modes. By 1936 she became a partner and the firm changed its name to Patullo-Jo Copeland. After closing Patullo-Jo Copeland in 1970, Copeland accepted a position with Lisa Meril.
Copeland was a designer of upscale, ready-to-wear clothing, remembered for designing the woman's two-piece suit that was meant to be worn without a blouse, and for her "after five" ensembles for dinner or the theater. Her work style was unique: she draped on her own body in front of a mirror, playing with the fabric until she was satisfied. Copeland was one of the earliest designers to have her name on the garment's label and in advertising copy. Before World War II broke out, Copeland often traveled to Europe to see the couture shows. After the war, she began to stress the importance of American designs, calling on the US fashion industry to become more independent from French fashion. Copeland received the Neiman Marcus Award for best designer of the year in 1944, and in 1961, she received the award of Chevalier de l'Ordre Courtoise Français. Copeland taught at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and was on the advisory board of the Parsons School of Design. Jo Copeland passed away on March 20th, 1982.
General
Published
General
Minimal
General
Shell record
- Title
- Jo Copeland collection, circa 1930-1959
- Date
- 2025-05-13
- Description rules
- Dacs; Isad(g); Lo C
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- English Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections and FIT Archive Repository