The Lesage-Martha 1950s Connection
This illustration from the 1950s was done by Colette Lesage to document the use of Lesage embroidery for French couturiers. An artist who worked for Martha's, a major New York specialty store selling high fashion, did this illustration.

Both of these illustrations and many others like them currently belong to the Shannon Rodgers and Jerry Silverman School of Fashion Design and Merchandising at Kent State University. In looking at these illustrations the following questions come to mind:

  • What was the purpose of each illustration?
  • What is the relationship of one illustration to the other?
  • How did these illustrations come to be at Kent State University?

These questions are pursued in the following article. Nineteen Lesage illustrations from the 1950s are shown as thumbnail illustrations, which when clicked, will expand to full screen for viewing of details. The information known about each of these sketches also is presented.

Lesage embroidered some of the garments designed by couturiers such as Balmain and Fath. Partial pattern pieces of couturier garments (those pieces that were embroidered) are also in the collection at Kent State University. Information about these is included.

To begin reading click below:

 

 

Information provided at this site is for educational purposes only. Reproduction of designs or patterns is not permitted.