Stealth Brands: Pat Premo

I had never heard of this designer before a long wade through Google this morning, but am instantly smitten with her design ethos. One of the handful of California designers that drove the west coast wing of the American sportswear initiative after WWII, she began her career making "little golf dresses" out of superior fabrics like Egyptian lawn cotton, with meticulous, intricate tailoring and dressmaker details.

Of particular note was her fondness for horizontal stripes, which contrary to common wisdom she found highly flattering.
(I happen to think she's right, and with greater authority, so does couture designer Jean-Paul Gaultier.)

Above is a glorious Premo design, many thanks to the website Couture Allure Vintage Fashion.

If you want a Premo of your very own, Couture Allure has some lovely examples. If you're on the petite side, there's also this great bolero, now up for sale on eBay.




Pat Premo, it's been a pleasure to meet you.