American sportswear: A study of the origins and women designers from the 1930's to the 1960's

In 1932, the department store Lord and Taylor promoted the American Look, it included comfortable, washable, quality clothing designed by American women designers. This was the beginning of an entirely new category of clothing that would change how the Western world dressed. These characteristics became so assimilated into today's styles they have become an integral part of American design.; Before the growth of American design, fashion was based on the lifestyles of a few elite European women and their designers. Little was done to design fashions around the American lifestyle. A small group of American fashion designers sought to cast off the restrictions of European design and create a style that was uniquely American and placed function before form.; Economic, social, and political events had an impact on the development of sportswear as well.; American sportswear is becoming a global style of fashion. Contemporary designers glean inspiration from the women innovators of sportswear who designed from the 1930's to the 1960's; they include Claire McCardell, Vera Maxwell, Bonnie Cashin, Tina Leser, Clare Potter, and Carolyn Schnurer. They contributed greatly to the formation of the American identity. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...