Pantsuit, 1968

by nrf@admin | Jan 3, 2024

Doris Duke was partial to pantsuits, and there are examples in the Rough Point collection from as early as the 1930s. Pantsuits were gender-bending—and their rise in popularity corresponded with the increase in American women in the workplace—a traditionally male-dominated space. By the 1960s, it had become more acceptable for women to wear pants at work. But it was still scandalous for many women to wear pantsuits as streetwear or formalwear.  

Thanks to her fortune and status, Doris did not have as much to risk by wearing a pantsuit as other women of her generation did.  

French designer André Courrèges was inspired by the Space Age—and his designs (including this pantsuit) are futuristic, minimalistic, and fun. 

Pair of shoes, ca. 1935

by nrf@admin | Jan 3, 2024

Jay Thorpe was an American luxury store that sold ready wear women’s fashion. This pair of purple and silver t-strap heels has a cut out starburst type pattern at the toe. Purple strips with silver stripes radiate from the center. The heel is silver with cut-outs at the back of the shoe as well as a rhinestone buckle. Insole of right shoe says “Jay Thorpe 57th St. West, New York.” The left shoe says “Jay” Inside both shoes “7aa 90487 554”.