Archive of Original and Published Costume Designs
New York: Associated Fabrics Corporation, 1930. Very Good. Item #25120
New York: Associated Fabrics Corporation, ca. 1930s. Archive comprised of twenty-one original watercolors mostly mounted to plain paper (ca. 26.5x20.5cm.); six published design sample cards (ca. 22x14.5 to 24x18cm.), and four hand-colored mimeographed advertisement broadsides (35.5x21.5cm.) depicting sixteen "Associated Patterns." A few leaves toned due to varying paper quality, occasional ownership rubber-stamps of an Ivy Randall, broadsides a bit frayed and top margins beginning to curl, else a Very Good collection overall. Nearly all designs signed in manuscript "Gwen" or in facsimile "Gwendolin."
Attractive collection of designs produced by the still extant New York (now New Jersey) fabric and costume design company. The collection showcases the Corporation's specialty in works for the ballet and music hall performances, each water-color complete with accompanying fabric suggestions in manuscript. Designs range from fluid and feminine ("Water Lily" calls for water-effect china silk for the dress and buckram for the water lilies) to over-the-top "My Fair Lady"-level gowns. All designs but one ("Policeman") are intended for female models, the showgirl samples ranging from cheeky ("Fedora Strut") to downright upsetting (two different samples for an organ grinder's monkey).
Price: $450.00