1938 - Everyday Life

Everyday Life

Frederick, Md.-born Hattie Carnegie fashion designer Claire McCardell, 33, creates a tent dress based on an Algerian (or Moroccan) robe. It is included in the fall collection of Townley Sportswear, most buyers reject it, but a Best & Co. buyer orders 100, advertises it in New York's Sunday papers and promptly orders 200 more. Seventh Avenue garment makers copy the "monastic" design, and McCardell soon finds herself famous as the designer of the "American Look" (see 1942).

Fashion is Spinach by former New York designer Elizabeth Hawes, 35, pokes fun at the business that she entered 10 years ago after studying in Paris but has recently quit.

The Hardoy sling chair is introduced by New York's Knoll Associates, which also distributes the 1929 Barcelona chair designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.

Old Spice aftershave is introduced in time for Christmas by the 4-year-old New York-based Shulton Co., started by former soap and toiletries salesman William (Lightfoot) Schultz with help from the Bowery Savings Bank, whose officers let him use an office in their nearly vacant building on condition that he pay rent if he succeeded.