Moda

ref. D21035 — Near Fine. A unique and visually interesting archive of 125 original women’s fashion illustrations produced by several celebrated New York designers and illustrators active during the mid-twentieth century. Together the works capture an innovative and forward thinking American fashion industry post WWII. The collection is highlighted by original couture evening wear and cocktail dress designs by John Paul Bozett and Frank Perullo both internationally accomplished New York fashion designers and illustrators working in New York City during the 1940s–1960s. Additional contributors include De Zine Studio Henry Antonio and others illegible but presumably associated with the city’s fashion community during this period. Ephemera includes a Women’s Wear Daily typed letter signed TLS a press release and a TLS employment contract for David Hart Incorporated New York. Rendered in graphite and colored pencil many sophisticated and detailed. Several sheets present multiple perspectives of a single design and retain original job numbers e.g. B-14 annotations regarding color styling and techniques and a few with fabric attached. Approx. 50 with ink signatures on the recto and some with studio stamps name address and telephone on the verso. Sizes vary but approximately 8 x 11 inches. Executed primarily on tissue paper with some examples taped or mounted to heavier stock. Undated but presumably date to the c. 1950s; a few might be a bit later. unknown