Rare Hattie Carnegie embellished sweater, c. 1950s, black cashmere cardigan with hook & eye closure, embellished with shells, pearls and beads all around edges, with label, approx. 35"b, 17"l, 21"sl

Provenance: The Estate of Lilo De La Passardiere, 40 Central Park South, NYC

Notes/Literature: Born in Vienna in 1889, 11-year-old Henrietta Kanengeiser and her family immigrated to the United States in 1900 in search of a better life. Nine years later, she changed her last name to Carnegie after the wealthiest man in America at that time, Andrew Carnegie. She had big plans for herself in her chosen field of fashion. Along with a seamstress's help, Carnegie opened a millinery shop in New York City in 1909 called Carnegie-Ladies Hatter, followed by a clothing shop that specialized in custom-made dresses in 1918.
In 1923, she opened an even larger store in a townhouse that sold her hats and clothing and imported French couture, furs, perfume, and accessories—a true full-service salon. Soon upper-crust society ladies were frequenting, including Mrs. William Randolph Hearst. The "Hattie Carnegie look" of the well-heeled, sophisticated woman of means originated in this store. Two years later, I. Magnin was the first store to buy her designs and sell them wholesale. By 1934, Fine stores nationwide sold Hattie Carnegie Originals clothing. That same decade, she designed her first wholesale line, Spectator Sports.
By the 1940s, she was opening other stores like the Blue Room, where she sold ready-to-wear. She also launched a diffusion line for younger, less-affluent customers called Jeune Fille. By the post-war years, Carnegie was one of the most popular fashion designers globally, regardless of the fact she did not sew and had never cut a pattern herself. Fans included movie stars like Constance Bennett and Joan Crawford, royalty like the Duchess of Windsor, and famed writers like Clare Booth Luce. Her most popular looks were the "Carnegie" suit, a sleek dress suit, and her embellished evening gowns and cocktail dresses. Hattie Carnegie hats, gloves, and brooches polished off the famous look.
In 1956, Carnegie died at the age of 69. Although her clothing was at its peak, styles would soon change. The multi-million-dollar company that employed over 1,000 workers at the time of her passing continued without her, hanging on till the 1970s when the look she had so carefully crafted was no longer desirable. It is to her credit that to this day, the very name "Hattie Carnegie" brings to mind the polished, urban woman with impeccable style from head to toe.

Good vintage condition, some possible minor losses, loose beads, signs of wear **Note: Condition reports are rendered as specialist opinion by the staff of the Auction House and not as statements of fact. We do not guarantee the content of written or verbal condition reports. All sizing and measurement information is approximate. Remember, all sales are final. The absence of a condition report does not imply that there are no condition issues with the lot. Please call us at [(973) 377-1500](tel://(973)%20377-1500) or e-mail info@milleabros.com with any questions about this lot at least 24 hours prior to auction