Thursday 27 February 2014

From Ben Zuckerman advertisement:
'Ben Zuckerman... signature of the individual point of view, of the prophetic fashion. Among his innovations... the skyscraper suit, the lifted waistline, the far-flung cape. Prophecy for 1958... a new length of jacket...elongated, semi-fitted, a subtle cutaway at the front... in imported tweed with a crochet texture.'

Sunday 23 February 2014


From Vogue, 1 February, 1951- A Ben Zuckerman suit.
'Two exclusives in our distinguished suit, designed by Ben Zuckerman in KanMaStripe worsted.'
Worsted cloth, is lightweight and has a coarse texture. The weave is usually twill or plain. Twilled fabrics such as whipcord, gabardine and serge are often made from worsted yarn. Worsted fabric made from wool has a natural recovery, meaning that it is resilient and quickly returns to its natural shape, but non-glossy worsted will shine with use or abrasion.
This suit was modelled by Lisa Fonssagrives, a Swedish model of the 1940's and 50's. She was frequently photographed by her photographer husband, Irving Penn. She died in 1992.

Tuesday 11 February 2014


This Ben Zuckerman suit, in grey wool, dates from February 1952. It has 6 pockets on the jacket and fold back cuffs. It is accessorized by gloves, a belt (to highlight a tiny waist), a straw hat with veil and a starburst brooch.
This suit was modelled by Mary Jane Russell, a very successful American model of the 1950's. She was born in 1926 in New Jersey. She was a favourite of Louise Dahl-Wolfe and Irving Penn. She died in 2003.
I am lucky enough to own this suit- it is a beauty!

Tuesday 4 February 2014


On the right you can see a Ben Zuckerman suit in pink wool alongside period accessories. This suit is wonderfully tailored and in such a feminine pink.
Harrington House Museum is located in Amarillo, Texas. The Harringtons were local philanthropists who made their fortune in the oil industry. The museum is full of their wonderful possessions, including this lovely Zuckerman suit.
Photo courtesy of Harrington House Museum.