Nelly de Grab was a fashion designer known for her work in the mid-20th century, particularly from the 1940s to the 1960s. She was a prolific designer of women’s apparel, specializing in the “at-home” dress and casual, ready-to-wear fashion.
De Grab’s designs were characterized by their comfort and practicality, often featuring elegant yet relaxed silhouettes. She was particularly famous for her “hostess gowns” and leisure wear, which were fashionable alternatives to more formal evening wear. These garments were designed for women to wear while entertaining guests at home.
Her brand became popular in the United States, with her creations sold in major department stores like Lord & Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue. Nelly de Grab’s work reflected the shift in fashion towards more relaxed and functional clothing for the post-war era, anticipating the casual wear trends that would become a staple of modern fashion.
Take a look at these vintage photos to see impressive fashion designs by Nelly de Grab from the 1950s.
A sheer pink shirtwaist blouse and a bell-shaped skirt by Nelly de Grab, photo by Richard Rutledge, 1952
Barbara Mullen in a navy blue Crompton velvet dress with a flared white piqué ruff by Nelly de Grab, jewelry by La Tausca, photo by Richard Avedon, Harper’s Bazaar, February 1950
Eva Gerney (l) and Lisa Fonssagrives in linen separates by Nelly de Grab, white straw sailor by Harryson and veiled pillbox by Betmar, photo by Horst P. Horst, Vogue, March 1, 1950
Carol McCallson in cotton lace dress with rhinestone buttons and detachable neckline by Nelly de Grab, photo by Tom Palumbo, Harper’s Bazaar, April 1951
Carol McCallson in dress and shawl of denim and Celanese acetate for a soft and supple feel, by Nelly de Grab, Harper’s Bazaar, May 1951
Leave a Reply