Sportwhirl, Inc. 1951-1977 (page 1 2 3 4)
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In the 1960's, -the "mod" era- Jeanne did a very popular
line of linen mini skirts, dresses, and pants."Tent Swingers" some
dresses were called had back cut-outs marked with bows, some had
button-up shoulders, and others had stand-up collars. There were
unforgetable stretch, wild paisley tops with matching paisley stockings.
There were sexy little bare-midriff tops with little ruffles in
gingham, paired with gingham pants trimmed in tinier gingham. Bikinis
with belts (on the bottoms) with little pouches for sunglasses/change
(ala James Bond's Honey Rider.) Jeanne did some jazzy black and
white check pieces such as short a-line dresses, that looked like
car racing flags, trimmed in red cording. It was a very colorful
era and Jeanne's designs were no exception--lime greens, hot pinks,
rich yellows, wild oranges, and bright reds. In contrast to these
dazzling colors, she seemed to take relief with sheer feminine
shirts and dresses, some in dotted Swiss, and some in organdy.
Some were elaborate with rows of ruffled lace, some were more simple
with self-jabot fronts. The see-through organdy blouses, which
sold thousands in 1968 threw the fashion world in a tizzy, as women
were exhibiting their freedom-of-expression by wearing them with
no under-garments.
The popularity of Jeanne Campbell's designs made it to the White
House. Jeanne was pleased to find out, in a 1967 Women's Wear column
that President Johnson's daughter, Linda Bird Johnson Robb, bought
Sportwhirl clothes. That was just the beginning.
One of the greatest compliments of Jeanne's life was being invited
to an honorary White House Luncheon, Feb. 29th, 1968, hosted by
First Lady, Mrs. Lyndon Johnson. This was an historic luncheon
party as it was the first fashion show ever given at the White
House. The show of summer fashions titled, "How to Discover
America in Style" included some of Jeanne's Sportwhirl designs.
This event, as expected by our Nation's capital and First Lady,
featured the creme de la creme of everything. The attention to
detail was impeccable. From the food the chef prepared, the linens,
the decor, the music the band played, the guest list of designers
and wives of politicians, the seating plan, to the fashion designs
chosen by American designers--everything perfect. That is why Jeanne
felt it was the highest compliment paid to her.
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The two women in charge of the event also had a reputation as
the finest in their field and they were legends in their own time.
The producer of the fashion show was Eleanor Lambert, the most
influential fashion pioneer.(She was famous for, among many things,
helping to create the Council of Fashion Designers of America,
and the International Best Dressed List). The other woman was "Miss" Nancy
White, doing the fashion commentary. She was the famous white-gloved
editor of Harper's Bazaar. (Sadly these grande dames passed away
in 2003 and 2002 respectively.)
(For more White House luncheon details see "1960
Honors".)
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