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Nettie Rosenstein (1895?-1980) started making clothing professionally in 1919. She worked throughout the 1920s in various design jobs and in 1931 she started her own label.

Rosenstein became known for her Little Black Dresses and for her evening gowns. Her dresses were fitted on models of the correct size, rather than on a very small model and graded up. For that reason, her clothes were flattering to many figure types. She also was interested in the complete ensemble and had hats, to wear with her designs, made by Mme. Pauline and gloves and handbags made to accentuate the designs.

She was the designer of both of Mrs. Mamie Eisenhower’s inaugural gowns. In 1957 Rosenstein began designing sportswear and bathing suits. She closed her clothing business in 1961, but continued to design handbags and jewelry.

Written by fuzzylizzie


from a 1940s dress - Courtesy of antiquedress.com

from a 1940s dress

Courtesy of antiquedress.com

from a 1950s dress - Courtesy of shopdesignarchives.com

from a 1950s dress

Courtesy of shopdesignarchives.com

from a 1950s swimsuit - Courtesy of ourbabyroo

from a 1950s swimsuit

Courtesy of ourbabyroo

from an early 1950s handbag  - Courtesy of fuzzylizzie.com

from an early 1950s handbag

Courtesy of fuzzylizzie.com