The Influence Of Florence Eiseman Clothes

By Essie Osborn


This woman, who became one of the most influential designers of clothes for children, started at as a housewife. When Florence Eiseman became a mother, she taught herself to sew and began making clothes for her boys and other children living nearby. Her husband, Laurence was looking for a way to supplement their income and he saw her talent. He took some of her organdy pinafores to a buyer at Marshall Field and Company and returned home with a large order. This marked the birth of an impressive career.

Sewing up this first order was the responsibility of a team of housewives. Florence had control over the final product and had very high standards. Quality fabrics were used and many of the details were hand finished. Hand sewn embroidery was one of the features of these early items as well as hand sewn hems, French seams and bound buttonholes. Their efforts were so successful that after some years a move was made into a factory and it was not long before other designers had to be hired too.

The philosophy behind her clothing range was that children were not small adults and girls should not be made to look like little women. At the time there was much ruffling, big skirts and petticoats. She felt that children needed clothes that were practical and that did not compete with their natural beauty. She firmly believed that adult fads should not be followed.

Her desire for children to feel comfortable in her clothing lead to an innovative approach. She introduced trapeze shapes and empire waistlines in her dresses, did away with tight waistbands and any flounces and ruffles. One piece clothing was created for toddlers as well as a range of knits that could be worn every day.

All the clothing was made to the highest standards, including wide hems and adjustable buttons that prolonged their life. Later, another hem was added by one of the designers. It could be released by pulling a string once the child had outgrown the current hem. Initially, there were worries that the clothing was too expensive but when people its quality and how long it lasted, they were more than willing to buy.

Her bright primary colors, simple clean lines and hand sewn embroidery soon caught the eye of the rich and famous. Celebrities like Princess Grace of Monaco began dressing Princess Caroline and Stephanie in her timeless and tasteful designs. Within ten years, she had become the first designer of clothes for children to receive the Nieman Marcus award, putting her in the company of other illustrious recipients like Coco Channel and Christian Dior.

Over the years, the brand did expand to include a couture line and swimsuit designs. When Florence became ill towards the end of her life, she stepped back and allowed her head designer, Teri Shapiro to take over. Teri succeeded in maintaining the integrity of this iconic brand in its designs.

Florence died in 1988 but her brand continues to be associated with quality. The clothes are fresh and up to date without losing their classic touch and great attention to detail. A unique collection of coveralls, swimwear and dresses, in playful prints and stripes are available from many online stores.




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