Vogue Paris Originals

I've recently added the Summer 1949 issue to my collection of Vogue Pattern Books. This was the second issue of the Pattern Book as a standalone magazine, and it carried an important announcement.

The launch of the Paris Originals patterns

I've posted before about Vogue Paris Originals, but this is the first time I had read about their launch in Vogue's own words. Click on any image to enlarge it.

From the contents page

Explaining what the patterns are

Designer biographies

The photographs by Clifford Coffin on the magazine cover are of the original garments, you can see larger versions of the images here.

Initially the pattern envelopes used drawings only.

Slightly later example, image from the Vintage Patterns wiki

The pattern envelope artwork is used to illustrate the article. For each pattern there is also a description of the fabric used, along with suggestions for other materials or colours.

Vogue 1053, Piguet

Vogue 1057, Paquin

Vogue 1050, Molyneux

Vogue 1054, Balmain

Vogue 1052, Lanvin

Vogue 1051, Schiaparelli

Although the emphasis is on the suit, I'm fascinated by the blouse which came with it.

Vogue 1051, blouse details

Vogue 1056, Heim

Vogue 1055, Fath

Most of the other patterns in this issue range in price from 2s 5d (29 old pence) for blouses or skirts to 4s 11d (59 old pence) for dresses and suits. The Paris Original patterns are 7s 4d (88 old pence). I was surprised to discover though that they were no more expensive than Vogue Couturier Designs, which also appear in this issue. One of which I recognized at once.

Vogue Couturier Designs, including 491 on far right

Now reissued as Vogue 1738

It seems that Vogue Paris Originals were a success. The Autumn 1949 issue contains a selection of new season designs from the eight chosen designers, this time two each. But that is a story for another post.