Each month this page will feature a new fabulous fashion worthy of special attention. Vintage couture from Christian Dior, Mainbocher, Boue Soeurs, Lanvin and many more. Past features are available at the bottom of the page. This month's specatacular fashion is... Striking Hattie Carnegie Strapless Violet Gown w/ Attached Shawl Price ... $875 A striking violet satin and lace gown! The strapless, corset style bodice is covered in violet lace, which is scalloped along the top. The bodice closes with a series of hook and eye closures up the front (additional hidden snap closures below the waist secure the dress in place). The bodice has an attached lace shawl, which can be worn in a variety of ways (it can be used to cover the arms completely if you please). The satin skirt is gathered at the hips and over the derriere to create a fabulous bouffant effect. The satin has a stiff pellon backing to help the skirt retain its shape. The dress is fully lined in purple acetate and bears the Hattie Carnegie label in the side seam near the hem. In very good condition, but there is some slight scufing to the skirt. Bust: 38" Waist: 29" Hips:full Length: 50" from underarm to hem. A bit about Hattie Carnegie: Hattie Carnegie (b. Henrietta Kanengeiser) was born in Vienna in 1886 and immigrated to the United States at the turn of the century . Shortly after her arrival in New York, Carnegie was hired as a messenger for Macy’s. This was the start of what would become a very successful career in fashion. Hattie Carnegie, Inc. was incorporated in 1918 (though it started in 1909 as Carnegie-Ladies Hatter). Though the company label bore her name, Hattie Carnegie was never actually a fashion designer. Rather, she was what some called a “manufacturing editor.” She employed house designers and used her own sense of style and taste to “edit” the designs of these staff designers. Both Norman Norell and Pauline Trigere began their careers as house designers for Hattie Carnegie. The Hattie Carnegie design and show room in New York had several levels. The first level was comprised of Hattie Carnegie’s lower ticket, ready to wear apparel, sometimes associated with the Hattie Carnegie Blue Room label. The upper levels of Hattie Carnegie were quite similar to those of the Paris couture houses, where fine, custom clothing was made to order for wealthy society women, movie stars and royalty. In fact, Hattie Carnegie served such famous customers as Joan Crawford and the Duchess of Windsor. (This particular gown was custom made for the wife of a Texas oil tycoon) An interesting fact: Hattie Carnegie is credited with launching the career of Lucille Ball! After several unsuccessful auditions for drama school (where she was proclaimed absolutely talentless!), the young Lucille Ball decided to turn to modeling, using the name Diane Belmont. After some modest success in her modeling career, Ball became a model for Hattie Carnegie. Later, Hattie Carnegie chose Ball as the Chesterfield Cigarette Girl of 1933, giving her national exposure for the very first time. This national exposure landed Lucille Ball her very first on screen role. More Featured Fashions... BREATHTAKING 1950's Christian Dior Evening Gown & Matching Wrap Black Crepe 1950's Christian Dior Evening Dress Stavropoulos Asymmetrical Strapless Gown & Cocoon Top Strapless Lace MAINBOCHER Ball Gown Go To: Formal Wear  Dresses & Suits  Skirts & Pants  Sweaters & Blouses  Outerwear  Lingerie Accessories  Links  Vintageous Homepage e-mail webmaster@vintageous.com © Copyright 2003 Vintageous. All rights reserved. Reproduction or adaptation of this page or its contents is prohibited.