Inger McCabe (Elliott) skirt

[Steph]

Hi! I have a gorgeous skirt that has an "Inger McCabe" label sewn inside. There are no other identifying labels. It is very well-made, of a high quality fabric (that I haven't identified). It has an elastic waistband and a single hip pocket. I know Inger McCabe Elliot designed skirts and other garments and I'm wondering if this is one of her designs? I suppose it's possible that another Inger McCabe owned this skirt and this is a nametag sewn in, but it seems like an unusual name and I haven't found anyone of that name in Tucson, where I sourced the skirt... Anyway, if anyone knows anything about Inger McCabe's designs, I would be very grateful. My googling hasn't yielded much. Thank you!!

 

[Pinkcoke]

The single hip pocket is unusual - I have only seen this previously where the design commanded it - such as a wrap fastening.

 

[Steph]

The single hip pocket it unusual - I have only seen this previously where the design commanded it - such as a wrap fastening.

I can't see any function for it. Thanks for commenting, Melanie! I was wondering if that was a common feature.

 

[Pinkcoke]

It doesn't have a repair by any chance? removing a pocket that's made of the same fabric is a good way to salvage a bad tear or hole.

 

[Steph]

I don't think there have been any repairs. More observations: There is only one seam, and that is where the pocket is. The skirt is fully lined and the pocket is in the space between the inner and outer layers (does that make sense? In other words, I can't see the pocket when I turn the skirt inside out.)

 

[Pinkcoke]

Ah that explains the single pocket - they have gone for a simple design that requires less construction by making the skirt from only one piece.

 

[KBMcCabe]

Hi! I have a gorgeous skirt that has an "Inger McCabe" label sewn inside. There are no other identifying labels. It is very well-made, of a high quality fabric (that I haven't identified). It has an elastic waistband and a single hip pocket. I know Inger McCabe Elliot designed skirts and other garments and I'm wondering if this is one of her designs? I suppose it's possible that another Inger McCabe owned this skirt and this is a nametag sewn in, but it seems like an unusual name and I haven't found anyone of that name in Tucson, where I sourced the skirt... Anyway, if anyone knows anything about Inger McCabe's designs, I would be very grateful. My googling hasn't yielded much. Thank you!!

Hi Stephanie, I realize this post was from 9 years ago but just stumbled on it.

I'm Inger's oldest child and yes, she designed clothing in New York in the late 60s and early 1970s. Her items were sold at Henri Bendel and Bonwit Teller. How fantastic that you have one! She was a true Jill-of-all-Trades--she started out as a photojournalist in the 60s, then sold vintage clothing, then designed and sold her own line, then launched a very successful textile design company called China Seas which sold to interior designers. Eventually she wrote 'the' book on Indonesian batik, called "Batik, Fabled Cloth of Java" which is still available.

Had a good laugh that your question was about the pocket as she was obsessed with pockets! She loved them and always had them in her clothes.

Hope this helps--all best,
Kari

 

[Maria K]

Hi Stephanie, I realize this post was from 9 years ago but just stumbled on it.

I'm Inger's oldest child and yes, she designed clothing in New York in the late 60s and early 1970s. Her items were sold at Henri Bendel and Bonwit Teller. How fantastic that you have one! She was a true Jill-of-all-Trades--she started out as a photojournalist in the 60s, then sold vintage clothing, then designed and sold her own line, then launched a very successful textile design company called China Seas which sold to interior designers. Eventually she wrote 'the' book on Indonesian batik, called "Batik, Fabled Cloth of Java" which is still available.

Had a good laugh that your question was about the pocket as she was obsessed with pockets! She loved them and always had them in her clothes.

Hope this helps--all best,
Kari

Hi Kari, your mom was amazing. What an inspiration! I too am a very lucky owner of one of your mom’s pieces. It’s a two piece, blue and white polka dot culottes and halter set! Label with your mom’s name and a second label “boussac de Paris import French fabric. I found her this past weekend at an estate sale in Lincoln Park, in Chicago. It’s chic and lovely just like your mom and truly brings me joy. Sending love.

 

[KBMcCabe]

Hi Maria,
That is just incredible….as I also have that same piece! It’s fabulous and when I get home (am out of town) will post a pic. She was very picky about fabrics and I remember Boussac was a big deal. Love that you found it at an estate sale. Love back to you and enjoy wearing it!

 

[Shusteroo]

Hi Stephanie, I realize this post was from 9 years ago but just stumbled on it.

I'm Inger's oldest child and yes, she designed clothing in New York in the late 60s and early 1970s. Her items were sold at Henri Bendel and Bonwit Teller. How fantastic that you have one! She was a true Jill-of-all-Trades--she started out as a photojournalist in the 60s, then sold vintage clothing, then designed and sold her own line, then launched a very successful textile design company called China Seas which sold to interior designers. Eventually she wrote 'the' book on Indonesian batik, called "Batik, Fabled Cloth of Java" which is still available.

Had a good laugh that your question was about the pocket as she was obsessed with pockets! She loved them and always had them in her clothes.

Hope this helps--all best,
Kari

Hi Kari, thanks for sharing this information. It's always wonderful to hear directly form a family member, or someone who knew/worked with a designer, to hear these personal insights. You piqued my interest, so I was search for some examples of her designs and fabric... and found out along the way that the film 'Six Degrees of Separation' with Will Smith was inspired by her experience with a conman! - what a fascinating, adventure packed life, she sounds an amazing lady!