This is an original pattern.
A6101. Early 50s -- likely 1951. This pattern is part of the "Patterns of the TImes" series, published by the New York Times, as part of a series about the designers. From the original insert, by Virginia Pope (not included):
"The Adrian fashion saga is a thrilling one. here is a creator of style who has thought only in terms of the American woman. He plans for her in relation to ehr life and everyday activities.
It was via the glamorous route of Hollywood and a galaxy of stars that Adrian came into his own fashion business. During the twelve years of his association with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer he made all of Greta Garbo's costumes and many for Joan Crawford and Norma Shearer.
The lush days began to wane. The glamour girl became the "Sweater Girl". World War II was on its way. Adrian found that the Hollywood extravaganzas no longer were a part of realistic thinking. He put the world of the unreal behind him and went into his own business. He planned an elaborate establishment in Beverly Hills.
America entered the war. Adrian retrenched and began his venture on a simpler scale, marking time until he could resume it with the eclat that has given it its character ever since. Whereas, he started with a made-to-order business, it was but a short time until he created for ready-to-wear, confining his styles to one leading store in the larger cities of the country. Today it is Gunther Jaeckel who handles them in New York.
Though Gilbert Adrian is always associated with the West Coast, we can proudly claim him in the East, for he was born in Naugatuck, Conn. He was barely 3 years old when he began to paint, animals offering him his greatest inspiration. As soon as he was old enough, he attended the School fo Fine and Applied Arts. His family encouraged him to take up stage designing and he went to Paris to continue his studies.
HIRED BY IRVING BERLIN
There he met Irving Berlin, who invited him to return to New York to do the designing for the second "Music Box Review". The Great White Way was merely a stopover on the young designer's route to Hollywood. It was Natacha Rambova who persuaded him to enter the movie world when, admiring his costumes in the New York show, she suggested that he do the Valentino picture, "The Eagle". Adrian was thus launched in his new world.
Although he was absorbed in fashion designing, Adrian never relinquished his art work. He recently acquired wide fame through his African paintings and has had two successful exhibitions in a New York gallery.
Unquestionably, the artist's intense love of color and the unusual have had their influence on the Adrian clothes, many of which show great fantasy and a rare use of color combinations. he is responsible for the design in many of the fabrics he uses.
There are certain techniques that are associated with Adrian's designing. He has long been known for the square-shouldered look and, while he does not insist on it for all women or all silhouettes, he believes that the athletic look is most characteristic of the ideal American type. It automatically "takes care of the hips", he says.
Characteristic of his manner are the floating panels and little tabs that give a sense of motion to many of his costumes. He has invented geometric designs, particularly in the fashioning of tailored suits and coats, that give them the Adrian stamp.
HAS STARTED MANY TRENDS
Adrian also has been responsible for many fashion designs that have started trends in this country. Among the first was the magnificent trench coat made for Garbo in "The Woman of Affairs". For the same star he evolved, to please her taste and type, the evening gown that was high necked at the front and bared to the waist at the back.
Then there were the Letty Lynton dresses that brought romance to the young styles of the day. More recently Adrian introduced the "shortest overcoat", a diminutive affair that barely covered the bust. He also realized early the fashion significance of television clothes, and in the last year, designed some forty fabulous costumes for "Lovely to Look At".
To you, the reader, Adrian sends the following message:
"Select fashions that are timeless. Do not think that you must change with each whim of the day. Choose a design that does something for you. Buy a dress as you would a piece of fine jewelry that you intend to make a part of a cherished collection. If you make your own dresses, make them in several versions and do not be afraid to repeat the pattern in two or more materials. Each will have its individual character."
Adrian dressed some of the biggest stars in Hollywood, including Joan Crawford, among many. He also was the designer of Dorothy's iconic ruby slippers, in the Wizard of Oz. He died in 1959, and this is one of only two styles of sewing patterns that were ever distributed with his name on them.
Truly a collector's item, this gorgeous unprinted pattern remains in factory folds, with some foxing of the envelope and a small tear along the top of one seam (about 1 inch long).
Shipping includes insurance and delivery confirmation.
