Box 1

Scope and Contents Volume 1 contains coverage of Mainbocher's back-to corsets movement and the new long torso silhouette he created in undergarments during his collaboration with Warner. It also contains extensive coverage of his famous "Rules for Chic" 12-point plan and his first trip back to his native Chicago. Clipped newsprint articles cover a wartime benefit French fashion show featuring garments by Schiaparelli, Mainbocher, Alix, Molyneux and Lanvin; articles written by the Countess Albert de Mun, the...

Scope and Contents Volume 2 contains extensive coverage of the opening of Mainbocher's establishment in New York City in October 1941, as well as his first and second New York collections in the fall of 1940 and the spring of 1941. His fall collection consisted of approximately 80-100 ensembles and featured dresses with the Swan silhouette and bold leaf patterns. His spring collection incorporated capes, peplums, long white gloves and small bouquets of artificial flowers as buttons down a dress or jacket. This...