Cover Girl of Miami was launched in 1951 by Morton Varat (1923-2011) and ceased operations in 1972, with Varat’s retirement. From a family of Russian origin, Varat moved from New York to Miami in 1950 to found Cover Girl. In 1968, Varat built a 36,000-square-foot warehouse and office space building for the successful company. This building is still in the Varat family, still used for garment making.
Varat’s children and grandchildren also launched fashion businesses. His daughter Lois Varat Kandell was quoted in WWD as saying her father was a perfectionist, “very particular in how he picked out prints.” One granddaughter, Michelle Varat, reported that the family was delighted when a red rose-detailed Cover Girl of Miami dress was worn in the show Mad Men.
Written by denisebrain
from a 1960s dress
Courtesy of denisebrain
