Tina Leser Swimsuit - 1945

A simple black swimsuit will always turn heads and this one by Tina Leser from 1945 is no exception.  But how do you stand out from the crowd?  Why not wear a pretty charm bracelet around your upper arm?  I like that idea!

Tina Leser Designs Using Modern Masters Fabric - 1956

In 1955, Fuller Fabrics worked with several famous artists of the time to create their line of Modern Masters fabrics.  The fabrics were available to the home sewer and were also used by several fashion designers including Tina Leser.  For Spring 1956, Leser created these garments using a Fuller Modern Masters fabric in a print based on a Raoul Dufy painting.  I am unable to identify the Dufy painting that this rayon fabric is from, but it it a pretty yellow and green floral with perhaps some pears or other fruits.  Leser cleverly used cut-outs of the flowers in the print to form the shoulder straps on these pieces.

At left:  Patio ensemble consisting of the swimsuit, full skirt and a yellow sweater (not shown).  Sold in 1956 for $110 (about $930 in today's dollar.)
At right:  Skirted swimsuit with solid yellow side panels.  Sold in 1956 for $25 (about $211 in today's dollar.)

Here, Leser uses the Dufy print fabric for capri length trousers that peek out from the side slits in a solid green dress.  This is called a "shopping dress" in the ad.  Sold in 1956 for $50 (about $423 in today's dollar.)

Want to learn more about the Modern Masters line of fabrics?  Lizzie over at The Vintage Traveler blog has written several posts about garments and fabrics from this line.  She also links to an article from Life magazine about the fabrics.  Check it out!

Summer Stripes, 1956

Nothing feels more summer-y than stripes. Beachy, breezy, and nautical, stripes are always in style. These photos are all from 1956.

Above: Brigance of Sportsmaker uses blue and white striped cotton jersey for a bathing suit with matching straight beach shirt that gets belted for added shape. Set sold for $43 in 1956 (about $345 in today's dollar.)

Claire McCardell cotton sateen beach poncho to wear over a swimsuit or shorts. Red, green, and yellow. Sold for $20 in 1956 (about $160 in today's dollar.)

Tina Leser glazed cotton dress in bold yellow and white stripes. Sold for $50 in 1956 (about $401 in today's dollar.)

Sir James rayon sunsuit in navy and gold stripes with brass buckles and buttons. Sold for $13 in 1956 (about $104 in today's dollar.)

Helga silk/cotton blend dress in blue, white, and coral. The pleats in the skirt change the look of the stripes. Sold for $70 in 1956 (about $561 in today's dollar.)

Do you love to wear stripes? Which is your favorite?

Tina Leser Beach Ensemble, 1945

Tina Leser was well known for her use of exotic fabrics and style influences from around the world. During the WWII years, however, her travels were limited and so were her fabric choices. Leser was still able to find inspiration, though, and here she uses simple white jersey for an exotic beach look. The two piece swimsuit has a twisted bandeaux top and came with a long wrap-around skirt. The set sold for $42 in 1945 (about $509 in today's dollar.)