Anne Fogarty in one of her own dresses (1950s)
Anne Fogarty's portrait (1957)
Anne Fogarty was born in 1919 near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When she was young, Anne had determined that she wanted to be an actress, so she studied drama at Pittsburgh's Carnegie Institute of Technology. In 1939, Anne Fogarty moved to New York City; here she discovered her passion for fashion and she took a position as a model at Harvey Berin, a well-known Seventh Avenue maker of high quality dresses.
Anne Fogarty in her Studio (1950s)
Model in Anne Fogarty dress photographed by Nina Leen (1950s)
Anne Fogarty, a timeless designer and fashion influencer
In the history of fashion, certain designers and brands stand as beacons of creativity, innovation, and timelessness. One such luminary is Anne Fogarty, whose innovative designs and unique vision have left an indelible mark on the world of fashion.
In 1940, Anne Fogarty married the artist Thomas E. Fogarty and, in the following years, she worked in various positions in the fashion industry. In 1948, Anne Fogarty started to work for Youth Guild; in this company, she first designed what would become her signature look, the full-skirted dresses worn with petticoats beneath. In 1950, she took her distinctive styles to Margot Dresses, where she popularized her shirtwaist dresses of printed cotton, denim, and linen.
Anne Fogarty's party dress pattern (1950s)
Model wearing a party dress by Anne Fogarty (1950s)
Anne Fogarty received several awards including, in 1951, the Merit Award from Mademoiselle Magazine, a Bonwit Teller award and a special Coty Award for the "prettiest dresses". The following year, she won a Neiman Marcus Fashion Award and received an award from the Philadelphia Fashion Group.
Evelyn Tripp in Anne Fogarty dress for Ladies Home Journal (October 1957)
Gold lace evening dress worn by Anne Fogarty to receive an award in Philadelphia, 1953
Anne Fogarty Boutique quickly became a haven for women seeking sophisticated, yet comfortable, clothing that exuded charm and grace. One of her most iconic designs was the "Anne Fogarty Party Dress", a timeless piece that epitomized her signature style; the dress featured a fitted bodice, a cinched waist, and a voluminous, A-line skirt, which became emblematic of her brand.
Anne Fogarty advertisement in Vogue, 1958
Model wearing a knitted dress by Anne Fogarty, 1959 (photo by Sante Forlano)
Anne Fogarty's impact extended beyond clothing. In 1959, she authored the book "Wife Dressing: The Fine Art of Being a Well-Dressed Wife," providing practical advice on fashion and personal style. The book aimed to empower women to embrace their roles as wives and mothers while maintaining their sense of identity and style. "Wife Dressing" encouraged women to prioritize self-care and self-expression, reinforcing the idea that fashion could be both functional and beautiful. It displayed Fogarty's dedication to empowering women through her designs and words, further cementing her place as an influential figure in fashion industry.
Anne Fogarty's book “Wife dressing”, 1959
Sandy Brown in printed silk shantung Anne Fogarty dress for Vogue
Anne Fogarty's designs caught the eye of influential figures, including the famous actress and singer Barbra Streisand that wore an elegant Anne Fogarty dress in a Bert Stern photo that appeared in the August 1, 1964 issue of Vogue Magazine.
Barbra Streisand photographed by Bert Stern wearing a dress by Anne Fogarty for Vogue (1964)
Twiggy Lawson wearing an Anne Fogarty dress (1960)
Despite the passing of Anne Fogarty in 1980, her legacy continues to inspire designers and fashion enthusiasts alike. Her unique designs, with their emphasis on timeless elegance and exquisite craftsmanship, are revered as vintage treasures in the modern fashion world. Even today, Anne Fogarty remains a symbol of enduring style and grace.
Anne Fogarty’s dress covered in silver paillette sequins, 1960s
Model wearing a gold gilded cage dress and photographed by Henry Clarke in Petra, Jordan, 1965
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (the MET) and the Philadelphia Museum of Art celebrate Anne Fogarty’s style with permanent exhibitions of a selection of her garments.
Anne Fogarty’s Evening Dress (1967) exposed in Philadelphia Museum of Art
Anne Fogarty’s Evening ensemble (fall/winter 1963–64) exposed in MET (New York)
© Anne Fogarty Boutique