Colman, Alex

Alex Colman got his start in the fashion industry as a teenage stock boy in 1928, working at L. Bamberger & Co. After attending art classes, he worked as a buyer first at Strawbridge & Clothier, and then at the May Company. In 1947, Colman’s wife, Sade Colman, started a men’s pajama manufacturing business, but it was not successful, and she soon switched production to women’s blouses.

In 1949, Colman joined his wife in her business, and “Alex Colman California” was born. They were producers of quality sportswear, co-ordinates, and casual dresses in the California style. For many years, the head designer at Alex Colman was Sade’s sister, Blanche Lefton.

“Alex Colman Inc. the parent company of Alex Colman of California and Mr. Alex, the women’s large size division, became a public company in 1968. In 1973, Alex Colman Inc. merged with Borden Inc. Alex Colman of California went on to be one of the largest better woman’s apparel manufacturers in the country. I, as president of the company left in 1976. Alex Colman Inc. was eventually closed sometime in the mid 1980s.” – Robert Colman

Thanks to Robert Colman for helping with the information in this entry.

Written by Lizzie Bramlett, fuzzylizzie.com

from a 1950s dress

Courtesy of misshelenes

from an 1950 dress

Courtesy of daisyfairbanks

from an early 1960s sport top

Courtesy of fuzzylizzie.com

from a 1970s mini dress

Courtesy of fasteddiesretrorags

from an early 1970s plus size blouse

Courtesy of misshelenes

from a 1970s knit dress

Courtesy of poshthreads

from a late 1970s/early 1980s blouse skirt set

Courtesy of betterdressesvintage