Fashion presentation with a model
Liz Claiborne · 1982
Liz Claiborne
- American sportswear
- Coordinated separates
Liz Claiborne helped redefine the American working wardrobe through practical, moderately priced clothes that could be mixed and matched. After designing for other manufacturers, she co-founded Liz Claiborne Inc. in 1976.
Five looks to know
Collection selection
Fashion presentation with a model
1982 · Season not documented
A model wears a plaid blouse with bright red trousers beside Claiborne. The contrasting separates illustrate the coordinated wardrobe approach associated with her company.
Bernard Gotfryd, 1982; Library of Congress. Liz Claiborne is at right, with the model at left.
Collection selection
Striped knit top, scarf and midi skirt
Youth Guild, Fall 1974 ready-to-wear
Contrasting stripes and a coordinated scarf animate this Youth Guild ensemble, modeled by Bethann Hardison.
Fairchild Archive / WWD
Collection selection
Ruched dress with a ruffled hem
Summer 1977 ready-to-wear
Ruching and a ruffled hem add a softer dress silhouette to the label’s early ready-to-wear.
Sal Traina / Fairchild Archive, WWD; republished by Yahoo
Collection selection
Blazer, sweater vest and skirt
Holiday 1980 ready-to-wear separates
Tailored layers and coordinated separates show the working wardrobe at the center of Claiborne’s label.
Fairchild Archive / WWD; republished by Yahoo. Individual photographer not identified.
Collection selection
High-collar blouse and pleated trousers
Fall 1987 ready-to-wear
An emphatic waist and full trousers give the coordinated blouse-and-trouser look a dressed-up silhouette.
Fairchild Archive / WWDCollections & archive pieces
1 collections represented · 1 pieceSeason not documented
1 piece
About Liz Claiborne
Coordinated jackets, skirts, trousers and knitwear offered women an alternative to buying a single fixed outfit. Color and accessible styling were central to that approach. The company’s rapid growth also changed how department stores presented separates, grouping a designer’s collection together. Claiborne’s career connects clothing design with the expanding professional and commercial opportunities available to women.