Sportwhirl, Inc. 1951-1977 (page 1 2 3 4)

When it came to inspiration and revitalizing her spirit, travel was the answer, and over the years, Jeanne saw most of the world. Business trips to Paris to see the pret-a-porter lines, and other cultural European cities were invigorating. Jeanne also made excursions to Finland, Italy, Spain, and other countries on her own. In later years, trips from Sportwhirl to India and British Hong Kong became necessary to oversee the production of block printed wrap skirts and cashmere sweaters for example. Vacations to warm, sunny locations like Mexico, the British West Indies, and the Caribbean re-fueled her with their bold, bright colors.

Aside from physically going out and seeing the world, a designer (pre-computer age) had to keep in touch with what was happening through periodicals. The newspaper, Women's Wear Daily was, and still is, the pulse of the fashion world. Monthly magazines like Vogue, French Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Mademoiselle (publication suspended-Nov.'01), and others were practically mandatory to keep up with the latest trends. Reviews from fashion editor greats such as Eugenia Sheppard and Diana Vreeland weilded great power. Publicity from Eleanor Lambert was gold. Before designing a collection, Jeanne would attend a meeting of the "Inner Circle". This group of editors, designers and buyers would share their thoughts on the next season's fabrics. Similarly, Jeanne also subscribed to the "Tobe Report". It was, and is, a very well respected fashion/merchandising publication for retailers. (http://www.tobereport.com ) Often referred to as the "bible of the fashion industry", the Tobe Report editors review upcoming lines for the buyers. Their opinion could make or break sales. Jeanne read constantly because what was going on in fashion around the world, and what sort-of review she was getting did matter to her. She put up quite a strong front, but was very vulnerable inside.

Jeanne frequently distinguished herself by reinventing older classic fashions. The American Fashion Critics jury gave Jeanne one of the Coty Awards in 1955--an award bestowed for outstanding contributions to the field of American design. She was particularly cited for her dress-length sheath, which was adapted from the classic cardigan sweater. Due to popularity, Jeanne had to bring the sheath out season after season, in dozens of materials from linen to velvet, including a horizontally striped cotton knit jersey inspired by her husband's knit ties.

Sportwhirl was very proud of their designer, and in 1955 they created a special retailer's folder touting her achievements for their firm which included the Coty award, the fashion world's most coveted honor, and the cover of Vogue's April 15th issue- both in the same year! Vogue's December 1955 issue touted the "fabulous success of the sheath dress, as executed by Sportwhirl" as a top fashion event of 1955, along with other major events of the year such as Davy Crockett, and the $64,000. question! But the awards and magazine features didn't end there.

In 1958, Jeanne was honored with the Sports Illustrated's "American Sportswear Design Award". This "Designer of the Year Award", was dedicated "To the women's sportswear designer who, during the past year, has made the most significant contribution to American sportswear through a specific collection, idea, or innovation."

In Eugenia Sheppard's "Inside Fashion" column for the NY Herald Tribune (May 30th, 1958) she wrote about Jeanne receiving the Sports Illustrated award, "Jeanne's young, inexpensive clothes have worldwide distribution. Look for them under a Sportwhirl label. She has the same endearing modesty that made Claire McCardell a great person as well as a great designer."