A Fashionable Summer ~ TINA LESER

Ah, late to the party as always. Just chipping in to say I'm really sorry to have missed the "active" stage of this workshop, but that it's been a really interesting read, and a great inspiration for next week!

re: that swirl-y Gabar suit posted a while back. I do believe it could be a fairly late suit (going from late 50s into the 60s) - the Leser-Gabars suits seem to continue having the relatively old-fashioned-looking playsuit structure of shorts with gathered under-shorts built into the suit. I've seen this style with fabrics that one would assume are later rather than earlier.

Of course, you never quite know with Leser, as she could have been doing anything with her styles, but allowing for the fact that this would have been a mass-market arrangement with Gabar using wholesale fabrics, I'm guessing one can go with the style of the fabric for a date...

Re: the ethnic influence thing, which is the theme I'm obsessed enough with to inflict on everyone in the next workshop - I found it interesting that in interviews c. 1949-50, Leser was saying that she'd wanted to go elsewhere in the world for her inspiration.

She said she'd found the pool of style and design existing in America was getting stagnant, and she wanted to refresh it. I'd argue this was almost a reponse to that pure 'American design' movement that had been building from the 30s in reaction to previous slavery to Paris designs.

But this was a whole different order of foreign influence from the old adherance to Paris trends. The war had shown people they couldn't be isolationist, and that the rest of the world presented a whole spectrum, not just European sophistication.

I'd almost compare it to the formation of the United Nations in 1945 - suddenly a whole new way of conducting the world's business was happening in the US, at a time when countries like India were extracting themselves from the old imperial power blocks.

Kind of brought it right to the doorstep of America.

I'd be interested to know whereabouts Leser lived in India as a child - if anyone finds out, do let me know!!

Lin

 

Lizzie - just got time to read the whole work shop - what a wonderful job and a big thank you!

Hollis

 

Oh my.... fabulous!
I knew very little of Leser and now I know a tremendous amount!!

Thank you!!

Michelle

 

A few follow-up comments:

The lady in the car ad is definitely not Tina Leser, but a model. I located a photo of Leser in a 1945 Life magazine (got the tip from eBay auctions, and I found a copy locally>) Leser was actually a bit heavier, probably a modern size 14 or so. Maybe that's part of the reason all her swimsuits are so cover-up!

I'm really looking forward to Lin's Louella Ballerino workshop, as I know it will continue this discussion of ethnic inspirations!

Thanks again for all the kind words!
Lizzie

 

Thanks again Lizzie

(and we would love to see a photo of the lady behind the clothing to put a face behind the name sometime)

Chris

 

Later than Lin, as appreciative as Hollis -

Thank you Lizzie for sharing your research and to everyone who contributed here - it's a pleasure to read & truly educational (delicious <i>and</i> nutritious!)




Carolyn

 

I'm very late to this party, but Lizzie it was wonderful reading!

I'll add this dress I just acquired.
Wrap or Sarong styled with fringe.
Possibly cashmere fabric.
Brilliant blue color.

<img src="http://image.inkfrog.com/pix/novafashionss/tina1.jpg">

<img src="http://image.inkfrog.com/pix/novafashionss/tina2.jpg">

<img src="http://image.inkfrog.com/pix/novafashionss/tina3.jpg">

<img src="http://image.inkfrog.com/pix/novafashionss/tina4.jpg">

<img src="http://image.inkfrog.com/pix/novafashionss/tina5.jpg">

<img src="http://image.inkfrog.com/pix/novafashionss/tina6.jpg">

<img src="http://image.inkfrog.com/pix/novafashionss/tina7.jpg">

<img src="http://image.inkfrog.com/pix/novafashionss/tina99.jpg">

<img src="http://image.inkfrog.com/pix/novafashionss/tina8.jpg">

 

That is a WONDERFUL dress Lynn. Late 50s, early 60s?

 

I just acquired a Tina Leser after the workshop, too. Will have to post.

 

I posted this seperately but I'll add it here too as I found it after having read the workshop. Thanks for the knowledge Lizzie!