Born 1915 in Oakland, California, American fashion designer Bonnie Cashin was often referred to as one of the “Mothers of American Sportswear.” Her productive career spanned over 40 years and ranged from dance halls to Hollywood to Seventh Avenue. Devoted to functional, uncomplicated designs, Cashin’s many important innovations included a loose-fitting turtleneck that did not require a zipper to don, jumpsuits, and ponchos. Small wonder that one of her favorite catch phrases was “Chic is where you find it.”
Fashion designs by Bonnie Cashin in the 1950s
Cashin created innovative, uncomplicated clothing that catered to the modern, independent woman beginning in the post-war era through to her retirement from the fashion world in 1985. She died in Manhattan in 2000, due to complications from open-heart surgery.
These vintage photos captured portraits of classic beauties in fashion designs by Bonnie Cashin in the 1950s.
Dorian Leigh in black crêpe sheath with a black and white striped organdy coat by Bonnie Cashin, hat by John Frederics, photo by Cecil Beaton, Vogue, April 1, 1950
Dovima in black crêpe sheath with apron of red and white striped silk organdy and black linen hat, all by Bonnie Cashin, photo by Cecil Beaton, Vogue, April 1, 1950
Dovima in soft gray wool jersey dress by Bonnie Cashin for Adler and Adler, Harper’s Bazaar, November 1950
Sophie Malgat in wool cape over wool dress by Bonnie Cashin for Neiman Marcus, 1950
Dovima in cool sleeveless, Moygashel linen coat by Bonnie Cashin, photo by Richard Avedon, at the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Thebes, Egypt, Harper’s Bazaar, June 1951
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