Maxwell, Vera

▪ 1996

      (VERA HUPPÉ), U.S. fashion designer (b. April 22, 1901, New York, N.Y.—d. Jan. 15, 1995, Rincón, P.R.), was dubbed "the American Chanel" as the creator of timeless fashions that were comfortable yet chic, and she was one of the first U.S. designers to introduce sportswear for women. A onetime dancer (1919-24) with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet, Maxwell became interested in designing while working as a model. After studying tailoring in London, she joined the U.S. sportswear house of Adler and Adler, Inc., as a designer of tailored day wear. She founded her own company, Vera Maxwell Originals, in 1947 and gained prominence during the 1950s with a loyal clientele that included U.S. first lady Pat Nixon, dancer Martha Graham, and actress Lillian Gish. Maxwell's innovations included a "weekend wardrobe," comprising two jackets, two skirts, and a pair of trousers; the wraparound jersey blouse; a riding-jacket suit; and a "speed suit," a zipperless, buttonless, and snapless pull-on dress with a stretch bodice. The latter could be donned in seconds. Though her designs were sold in some 700 stores nationwide, by the 1960s London designers had come to dominate the fashion spotlight. Maxwell continued to produce classic suits, coats, and dresses until her retirement in 1985.

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