I. Magnin

I. Magnin was a legendary San Francisco department store that was founded in 1876 by Mary Ann Magnin and named for her husband Isaac. Originally, the couple sold baby clothing, which Mary Ann made, and Isaac sold as a peddler. The following year they opened a store that sold the clothes along with ladies’ toiletries. They soon expanded their offerings with a selection of bridal fashions, lingerie, and trousseau items, all made from beautiful but expensive European fabrics and laces. I. Magnin developed a reputation for selling only the highest quality goods.

In 1906 their store was leveled by the Great San Francisco Earthquake, but that did not stop the Magnins. They continued to sell from their home until a new store could be rebuilt. In the next ten years the family began opening branch stores all over California. The Magnins’ four sons were also involved in the stores, with son Joseph eventually opening his own store, Joseph Magnin.

In 1944 the family sold their interest in the stores to Bullock’s, a Los Angeles department store and in 1964 Bullock’s became a part of Federated Department Stores. Then in 1988, Macy’s gained control of Federated. By 1994 the last I. Magnin stores were either closed or changed to the Macy’s name. Today, Macy’s has a house line called I. Magnin.

Written by fuzzylizzie

See vintage I. Magnin from VFG members on Etsy (paid link)

from a 1920s evening cape

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from a ca. 1921 dress

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from 1920s women’s shoes

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from a 1930s opera coat

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from a 1930s lingerie bag

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from a 1940s evening gown

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a late 1940s/early 1950s label

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from a 1950s party dress

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from a 1950s dress

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from a 1950s hat

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from a 1950s dress

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from a 1950s sweater

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from a 1950s sweater

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from a 1950s dress

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from an early 1960s jacket

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from an early-1960s skirt suit

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from a mid-1960s coat

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from a mid 1960s sweater

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from a 1960s skirt suit

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from a late 1960s dress

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from a late 1960s dress

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from an early-1970s robe

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from a 1970s dress

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from the early 1970s

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from 1970s pajamas

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from an early 1980s blazer

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from a 1980s dress

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from a 1980s dress

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from a late-1980s coat

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from a 1990s sweater dress

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