Nelly de Grab was born in Vienna, Austria. In 1939 she and her husband Leo and her son Richard emigrated to the United States, settling in New York City, after fleeing the Nazi invasion of Czechoslovakia. She had natural style, and started designing and selling softly pleated cotton skirts in interesting prints. Her first sale was to Peck & Peck. She became known for mix & match separates, and extended that aesthetic to evening wear using luxury fabrics like velvet and brocade. She continued as an active designer until her death in 1972, when Lowell Judson took on that role. The company continued until at least 1976.
Written by MagsRags Vintage