“Hollywood Pattern Company was created in 1932 by Conte Nast. It became very popular because it often used photographs of radio and movie stars on the covers. Shortly after WW II it ceased making patterns. Because of the short duration of time they were around these patterns are highly collectible and sought after.” (From Out of the Ashes Collectibles)
Different sleeve choices, but all for casual wear. Great patch pockets & narrow button placket. Love those red glasses!
Easy to see the coming fashion trends for the 1950s in this cover of Simplicity’s sewing pattern promotional pamphlet. Tiny waists & full skirts!
From the “Butterick Fashion News”, April 1936. Pamphlet of new patterns sent to fabric, sewing machine, & dress shops.
Pale pink silk plisse dress — described as “Feminine Shirring” — is Vogue junior pattern # 3451. SO lovely!
I know what a peplum looks like. But I didn’t know the actual definition until I looked it up. According to answers.com, a Peplum is a ”short overskirt or ruffle attached at the waistline of a jacket, blouse, or dress.” And beware, the peplum is making a comeback in fall 2010!
Love the touches of pink in this sewing pattern illustration. And those sunglasses! So casually displayed, but with flair. This VOGUE sewing pattern is SO from the 1950s….
Really enjoy the spareness of some 1930s fashion drawings. Like how well this group of 3 women is depicted with bold black & red colors using mostly fine lines.
Have I mentioned how much I like torn & tattered pattern envelopes? Well, I do; handwriting is even better. Love all the the red touches in this illustration.
Love that the page is titled “Fall Plans for Mrs. Exeter!” Those wool & crepe suits, & of course tight-to-the-head hats, are just perfect for “women who lunch.”
Pages from a book in my sewing pattern collection: “Fashion Advertising Layout & Illustration,” by Charlotte H. Young (1950).
Was this drawing inspiration for the big-shoulder dresses of the 1980s?!
Really like how the author described using just 2 colors to look like more…
“Pretty good nights” for sure in such lovely robes, negligees & housecoats. All 1940s designs. From a Vogue pattern catalog distributed by fabric & sewing notions stores to their customers.
One of my favorite vintage patterns. It’s from 1948, the look between the sketched ‘models’ is priceless, & whoever bought this originally made notes on the envelope. Such fun touches of history & art!
Vintage pattern catalogs, like this one offered by Meier & Frank Co. to its customers, are great sources of vintage fashion drawings. Surprisingly, the newsprint paper holds color over many years quite well.
Gotta love the way suits for women were designed in the 1950s. Here’s an great example: VOGUE pattern from 1959. And that purse! Those gloves!
