The Glamour Gowns of Joseph Whitehead

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While is it true during the 1920s and 1930s, that Paris couture was a rich source of design inspiration, the garment industry in the United States—particularly in the realm of manufacturing—was a robust, thriving segment of our nation’s economy.  Homegrown designers may not have been the first to garner the adoration and adulation of American fashion journalists, but the very lifeblood of the industry depended on the talented individuals, such as Joseph Whitehead, who toiled in relative obscurity, producing ready-to-wear designs of exceptional quality.

US.NNFIT.SC.46.1949A native of Norfolk, Virginia, Whitehead knew from the age of six that a career in fashion design was his destiny.  After high school graduation, his original sketches caught the attention of a local, high-end retailer who invited him to be a companion on a buying trip to New York.  Whitehead stayed, taking an $8 a week job in the garment factory of Corbeau, Inc.  It took three years before young Joseph could convince his bosses to cultivate his design skills and another four years before he would produce his first full collection under the company’s label.  Later he would go on to say that the years spent in the factory were invaluable to his understanding of the design process.

In 1933, Whitehead and fellow Corbeau employee, Charles White, joined forces with Joseph Brenner to form their own company Brenner, Joseph & White.  Following Brenner’s death, the company was renamed Joseph Whitehead, Inc. in 1938.  Focusing on high-end dinner and evening wear, their signature look was one of demure drama, which could “make an entrance or establish a hostess.”  Bridalwear was also a mainstay of Whitehead’s work at Corbeau and subsequent companies.

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The looks seen in the gallery below date from between 1926 and 1929, which means these were created during Whitehead’s time at Corbeau, Inc.  Joseph Whitehead, Inc. closed its doors in 1942, possibly due to United States’ entrance into WWII six months earlier; a Women’s Wear Daily article announcing the dissolution of the company makes note that partner Charles White had plans to enter the armed forces.

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4 Responses to The Glamour Gowns of Joseph Whitehead

  1. Where ya been?! I’ve missed your interesting articles, and am so happy to see a new one. Imagine, a 1920’s designer I’ve never heard of, and a Virginian like myself! I will be doing a short piece on Mr. Whitehead thanks to you, and will absolutely attribute the pics and info to you here at Material Mode. Best, Kathie

  2. Ella says:

    I’ve often stared at black and white/sepia photographs and wondered what colours the gowns were. Being able to picture each gown in colour really supports your comment of their signature look being of demure drama. I adore them and delight in discovering more talented designers from bygone eras.
    Thank you.

  3. i think all the models back then were absolutely beautiful look at those images
    thank you very much for this information i have shared it with my friends on twitter

  4. what a nice design that shown there. i really love the design.

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