Nettie Rosenstein (1890–1980) started making clothing professionally in 1919. She worked throughout the 1920s in various design jobs and in 1931, she started her own label.
Fashion designs by Nettie Rosenstein in the 1940s and ’50s
Rosenstein became known for her Little Black Dresses and for her evening gowns. Her dresses were fitted on models of the correct size, rather than on a very small model and graded up. For that reason, her clothes were flattering to many figure types. She also was interested in the complete ensemble and had hats, to wear with her designs, made by Madame Pauline and gloves and handbags made to accentuate the designs.
Rosenstein was the designer of both of Mrs. Mamie Eisenhower’s inaugural gowns. In 1957, she began designing sportswear and bathing suits. She closed her clothing business in 1961, but continued to design handbags and jewelry.
These vintage photos captured portraits of classic beauties wearing fashion designs by Nettie Rosenstein in the 1940s and 1950s.
Models are wearing dresses and matching caps by Nettie Rosenstein and jewelry by Tiffany’s, photo by Horst P. Horst, Vogue, November 1, 1940
Betty McLauchlen in red velveteen suit and hat by Nettie Rosenstein, jewelry by Seaman Schepps, photo by Horst P. Horst, 1941
Model in a Nettie Rosenstein suit with brooch by Tiffany worn at the waist, photo by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Harper’s Bazaar, 1941
Dina Merrill in a summer evening dress of leaf-green silk shantung with white stephanotis caught under the petalled neckline by Nettie Rosenstein, photo by George Hoyningen-Huene, Harper’s Bazaar, February 1945
Model in a Brooke Cadwallader “Gourmet” print in Enka Rayon, Nettie Rosenstein original design, Vogue, May 1, 1945
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