Born 1895, American designer Herbert Sondheim (father of composer Stephen Sondheim) started his clothing business, Sondheim-Levy, in 1923. By 1930 he had bought his partner out and the Herbert Sondheim label was born. During this time, Sondheim’s wife, Janet “Foxy” Sondheim was the designer. They divorced in 1940.
Sondheim was a great believer in Parisian fashion, and always attended the Paris shows. The label lasted through the 1950s. He died in 1966.
Here below is a set of vintage photos that shows portraits of classic beauties wearing fashion designs by Herbert Sondheim in the 1950s.
Georgia Hamilton in Crompton velvet shirtdress by Herbert Sondheim, photo by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Harper’s Bazaar, October 1952
Betty Bridgers in theater coat of richly colored Milliken Tartans by Herbert Sondheim, Vogue, November 15, 1950
Model in floral print crêpe dinner dress with halter neckline designed by Joseph Whitehead for Herbert Sondheim, photo by Francesco Scavullo, Harper’s Bazaar, January 1950
C.Z. Guest is wearing a beautiful silk dress with beaded and embroidered bodice by Herbert Sondheim, photo by Avedon, Vogue, October 15, 1951
Lisa Fonssagrives in lovely dress of billowing yards of marquisette and Enka Rayon by Herbert Sondheim, Kramer jewelry, photo by Francesco Scavullo, Harper’s Bazaar, December 1951
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