Vintage Clothing Designer: Mr. Blackwell, Unsung Hero of Glamour

Of the many vintage clothing designers, one stands out in the quality, cut, and style of their pieces- The name "Mr. Blackwell" came in the late-1950s when he launched his clothing line. As with Valentino, Versace and later Richard Tyler, he and his line became synonymous. He was an important designer and during the 1960s he became the first in history to present his line on a television broadcast; and the first to make his line available for plus-size women.  His designer dresses sold for between $800 to $1,000 and were very successful.  During the nearly two decade existence of the "House of Blackwell”, he was designer to Yvonne DeCarlo, Jayne Mansfield, Dorothy Lamour, Jane Russell and California first lady Nancy Reagan.  At the height of his prominence, he openly declared his disdain for Women's Wear Daily and its publisher, John Fairchild.  During the 1980s, the emerging drift toward casual wear brought an end to The House of Blackwell.  At Deja Vu Vintage Finery in Palm Springs, we currently have several significant vintage pieces from Mr. Blackwell.