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Cupro is an abbreviation for cupramonium--a process for making a high quality rayon. In the US, we generally call it bemberg. Claire

Hollis, The 3-piece sleeve has a seam at the center. This repositions the vent so it is more noticeable. At the top, the seam is on grain, as it nears the wrist, it's tapered and many of the sleeves are very narrow. The undersleeve is rarely more than 2" wide. Claire

I put this together based on a listing about 10 days ago. It was a beautiful design but once she showed the sleeve I knew it was a copy. It was a good "exercise" to review the items I consider when making a purchase. One of the problems is that sellers don't always know how to describe...

I've purchased several Chanel suits during the last year and asked questions about many others. During the process, I've learned a variety of things which I wish to share with you just in case you are buying or selling. 1. The first thing I look at is the label. The label on a Chanel couture...

Update Bellville Sassoon I've been shopping so have updated my needs to Belinda Bellville, instead of Bellville Sassoon; however, I'll still take anything you have that's a partial pattern or used or whatever. Claire

I am collecting old Belinda Bellville and Bellville Sassoon patterns. Pattern condition is not important; I'm only interested in the envelopes. When I met David Sassoon several years ago, he told me that they didn't have any of the older patterns. Next year is the 50th anniversary of the...

Someone mentioned Woolite recently. I don't remember the specifics but this is not a product for washing fine fabrics. Use Eucalon or Wooltone instead. Claire Shaeffer

The match of the fabric pattern at the armscyes is absolutely fabulous! This wasn't easy with this fabric. Did it have a label? Claire

One looks a bit "not" round. If so, they are probably hand made, hand blown or something. I'm not an expert on buttons, but these are truly exquisite. Claire

As some of you know, I gave a paper for Costume Society last year about a Chanel suit at the Museum of the City of New York. The suit has no label and the paper focused on whether the suit was an original Chanel or a copy. Writing a paper was an interesting experience because I had to...

Polyester (Dacron) was introduced to the home sewing market in the late 50s. Could it be nylon and cotton? Claire

These are really handsome! Claire

Eclair is a French zipper. Claire

This was probably from the Paris Boutique. The label is not haute couture. There would be less hand sewing and it would have been sold off the rack, not custom made for the purchaser. That said, it is really lovely! Claire

Here is the info if you are near Stephens College: The fashion exhibition opens this Saturday the 15th and closes on Sunday October 14. The hours are 12 - 3 pm Sat and Sun and then 5:30 - 8:30 Thursday evening. If someone has a group of 5 or more they do private tours. Contact the fashion...

What a lovely dress! I can't help with the date. When you wrote Givenchy? Who did you write--try the Attache de Presse. I always use Good Morning instead of "Dear...." I've never seen this label, but my thought is that it was sold as "rtw" at Givenchy. Many houses sold rtw in a small...

OOO--Hollis, this is fabulous! C

I'll check with the person I know. C

Slow thinker I am sometimes. I was so focused on the fabric I think the PT Archives are in the museum at Kent State. Claire

Those nice foam hanger covers that keep garments from sliding off will disintegrate and flake off on the insides of the garments. Claire

I looked at the top again. It appears that the flower motifs on the skirt have been cut out an appliqued around the neck. This is expensive to do, even on lace. Even those who might not notice it at the outset will be impressed that this detail was added. Claire

The fabric starting with the sleeves. The blue on the lower part of the sleeves looks sheer since you can see through it. It could be chiffon or georgette. Georgette is a little crepier than chiffon. On the skirt, is the metallic on top of the blue? Is the blue the same fabric as the lower...

If you have Claire Shaeffer's Fabric Sewing Guide, it has an extensive Fiber/Fabric Dictionary and a Burn Chart; however, I know from watching the posts on VFG, it won't answer all of your questions. If you don't have it, call your local library. If they don't have it they can get it through...

Sara, I agree that I particularly like the Detail books from the V&A. What I particularly like is the line drawings of the garments. When I was researching my Couture book, I did some of my research at the V&A and examined a few of the garments which have been photographed. The photo...

Nicole, Have you considered writing for a magazine as well? There are a lot of advantages. One is that it's a good way to decide how you want to organize and, unless you are starting as a professional writer (I didn't), it's a good way to refine your skills. I've written a lot for Au...

Recently my friend Monica McMurray, Dean of Fashion Dept. at Stephens College (Columbia Mo) asked if I had a Mary Quant she could borrow for an A-Z fashion show they are doing. I don't--would you or someone else on the list be willing to loan her an MQ piece. Stephens will insure and pay...

The coat in the FIT exhibition has a 4" wide belt. Claire

Jonathan, my thought is Worth and your date would be consistent. C

Jonathan, this is a great review. I'm off to NY tomorrow and plan to visit it again. I have appts. at the Met on Wed and Thurs.--Are there any questions you have? I'll check back today since I won't have internet access in NY. Claire

Hollis is right--it is a clapper. This one is nice and I'm not sure they are made any longer You might check the June Tailor website for pressing tools. Claire