Everyone has a favorite designer. One that they can spot from across the room. I chose one designer for each decade from the 1950s through the 1970s. Let me know in the comments who your favorite designer is. Below is the list of designers featured by decade. Let's take a look a a few of the designer sewing pattern gems from the 1950s through the 1970s.
1950s Hubert de Givenchy &  Pauline Trigère
1960s Emilio Pucci
1970s Diane von Furstenberg
For the 1940s, I couldn't find a Pauline Trigere pattern from that decade, but I didn't want to skip such an important person in the fashion industry. What did I find? Oldpatterns.com has several in stock right now. First the iconic 1957 evening gown McCall's 4258
This gown would be perfect for the theater in New York, walking the red carpet in Hollywood, or a Black-Tie event anywhere!
The bateau neckline flatters those with a long neck while the front bodice with the under bust bow accentuates the bust. The back straps leave the top of the back mostly bare, and the waistline is cinched. The floor length skirt is fitted to the knees.
Oldpatterns.com also has McCall's 4257 available. This sleeveless fit and flare dress with a bow at the center front of the bodice and a dramatic drape at the back bodice. The skirt is ankle length and has a sweeping flare. The sides if the skirt have pleats accentuating the flat front.
Next in the 1950s is Givenchy. I had a friend who worked at a Givenchy Store in Los Angeles in the 1980s. The Perfume samples were a welcome bonus!
This flirty Cocktail Dress by Givenchy is
Vogue 1702 can be found on Etsy in the shop Kinseysue. The tiered knee-length ruffled skirt compliments the ruffled one-shoulder neckline.
The perfect dress for holiday parties!
Vogue 1965 offers a casual or more formal choice. The floor-length dress or, the hip' length tunic both with a wide, deep v-neckline, bloused bodice, and full, long sleeves gathered at the wrists can be dressed up or down depending on the affair. The pants are straight cut and could be worn day or night depending on the chosen fabric. Even Givenchy can be practical! You can find this pattern at
Anyone who was alive in the 1960s or who loves vintage from that decade, knows the works of Emilio Pucci. Pucci Made bold statements not only with his designs but with the fabrics as well. Oversized bold and bright florals could make a simple garment spectacular.
Over at The Gingham Life on Etsy, you can find Vogue Couturier 1692 by Pucci is a great example of his typical design. it's quite simple if you look at it. the bodice is raised with shoulder straps, the bottoms are attached with gathers and can be either harem style or palazzo style legs. There is also a Bolero jacket with short sleeves. Beause the lines are fairly simple, the fabric doesn't need to be.
On to the 1970s, my teen years. Go ahead, count backwards, I'll wait. Need more time? I chose Diane von Furstenberg for the 70s because everyone was wearing her clothes back then. My mother made several of her wrap dresses. She even used the DVF fabrics! I wish I had pictures. Well, Oldpatterns.com has this DVF 1977 pattern just waiting for you!
This 3-piece outfit has a great fit & flare skirt that hits just below the knee, a scoopneck tank style top, and a jacket that can be made with long or short sleeves. Wear it open or closed with a belt. You will look pulled together no matter how you pull Vogue 1611 together.
Diane von Furstenberg didn't only design dresses for Vogue. I found the following patterns in the shop of Kinseysue on Etsy.
The first is Vogue American Designer 1777. This pattern has the rare perk of having the sew in label still with it.
With an edged deep v-neckline, both the gown and the pajamas are very feminine. The gown is floor length aas are the pajama pants. Both views also have long sleeves with a ruffled elastic cuff.
Also from Kinseysue, is
Vogue American Designer 1778. The gown, modeled by Christie Brinkley, has lace accents framing the bodice, narrow sptraps and is floor-length. The robe with the batwing sleeves cut as one with the body, wraps in the front with lace trim to match the gown. The pajama top has a self tie drawstring waist with faux wrap, lace edged neckline. The sleeve edges and leg openings also are trimmed with matching lace.