Edith Small was well known in her day, receiving East as well as West Coast newspaper coverage for her collections. Although originally from Chicago, she opened her clothing house in Los Angeles, California in 1945. Small was recognized for her always feminine suits and gowns. She worked with high quality fabrics, including French and Italian imports.
While there were certainly California designers and manufacturers in the 1940s and 1950s who achieved a both national following in their day and the status of major American designer ( Adrian, Irene, Galanos, Howard Greer, etc), there were many who, while highly respected in their working years, have faded from view almost completely.
Edith Small died in 1965 at the age of 60, and her workshop went on to produce for Bert Geiger.
Written by PastPerfectVintage.com and lkanieri
from a 1947 suit
Courtesy of kickshawproductions
from a 1950s suit
Courtesy of pastperfectvintage
from a 1950s suit
Courtesy of Hollie Point
from a 1960s dress
Courtesy of www.coutureallure.com
