As far back as I can remember I have always been fascinated by vintage clothing tags. The vibrant colors, odd subject matter and fine details that are sewn into tags about 1"x 1" in size with incredibly tiny stitches, totally blows my mind. On a daily basis I search out clothing from the 1930's through the 1980's, and without fail I check the tag. More often then not, I like the design of the tag more then the design of the garment!
Seeing all of these amazing little creations made me want to learn more about the maker and the history behind the designer. To find this information I went to an amazing website called Vintage Fashion Guild. Here you will find everything that you need to know about vintage clothing. From trends & genres to featured designers, this site has it all. This is where I found some info on some of my favorite vintage tags that are currently on the racks at Retrospect.
Here is some of the information on Goldworm I found in the
In 1928, the
Goldworm Knitwear Company was founded in New York by Mrs. Gertrude Goldworm. This family-run business influenced the entire knitwear industry. Her son, Robert, having graduated from New York University in 1947, joined the company and was soon recognized as a talented knitwear designer himself.
Shortly after, Robert traveled to Italy in search of quality hand finishing – buttonholes hand done, seams looped. It is there where he joined forces with a small knitwear business owned and operated by the Dragone family. This merger allowed Goldworm to translate American fashions, but with traditional Italian craftsmanship.
Soon Robert’s sister, Beverly Tuttman, joined the company as head designer and helped turn classic knitwear into high fashion. The Goldworm knit company has received many honors, including the Coty Award and the Editorial Fashion Award by Glamour Magazine. In 1968, Goldworm became the first American to receive the Premio Mercurio D’oro, Italy’s highest award for commercial and economic achievement.
Information courtesy of poshthreads/the Vintage Fashion Guild Label Resource
The font used in the first tag is so elegant.
Vested Gentress was established in 1961 and was based in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Their factory was located in Trappe, Pennsylvania, about twelve miles from Valley Forge. The company was known for whimsical screenprinted fabrics. These fabrics were made into dresses, slacks, and skirts. They also had a line of golf wear. The company closed in the late 1980s.
Dating hint: In the earlier labels, the lady does not have the crop in her hand.
Information courtesy of Lizzie Barmlett, fuzzylizzie.com/the Vintage Fashion Guild Label Resource
Look at those vibrant colors on the Pegasus tag! That was attached to a pair of dark denim high waisted jeans from the 1970's!
So 70's, check out the little flowers in her hair. What a great detail.
And last but not least, my two favorite tags in the entire store. These designs couldn't get any better, they are tiny pieces of art, so wonderfully designed.
Another feature on VFG is that there are pics of other tags created by the designers in the label section. Learn about the history of the garment maker and check out some really rad sewing skills as well as graphics and illustration.
Drop by Retrospect to see a store full of vintage labels from the 30's to the 80's. I wish I could have posted them all but there were way to many. Swing by and find your favorite.
