The Fashionable Forties:
Adele Simpson

Inasmuch as the poor behavior of “Ashlee” and “OJ” Simpson render more impressions on the internet than the designer Adele Simpson (1904 – 1995), it must be remembered that she was a prominent player in American fashion for many decades who was awarded both a Coty Award (1949) as well as a Neiman Marcus Award (1946) and her creations were highly sought after by the crowned heads of both Europe and Hollywood. She first came into the public eye during the 1940s, when the war in Europe knocked the couturiers of Paris right out of fashion’s orbit and the American clothing industry had to rely upon domestic talent if they were to survive. The attached 1945 article by Aimee Larkin is titled, “The Great American Dress”:

“Adele Simpson’s aim – with her whole collection as with this black crepe dress – is functional. Let other designers think in terms of costumes for dramatic entrances, she says, but she’ll still think of clothes to live and work in…”

• Click here to read about 1940s fabric rationing •

• Click here to read about the hats of 1947 •

• Additional articles about 1940’s fashion can be by clicking HERE •