Nettie Rosenstein - Nettie Rosenstein Inc.

Nettie Rosenstein Inc.

In the 1920s American fashion business, imported fashions by named French couturiers were considered the best to be had. At this time Rosenstein's designs were sold by stores under their own labels, though purchasers were told that the dresses were in fact by Nettie Rosenstein. Through word of mouth Rosenstein earned name recognition and her own-name label became a valuable commodity. Her clothes were retailed around America, but only one store in each city was permitted to carry fashions bearing Rosenstein's label. In 1927 Rosenstein tried an early retirement, but resumed designing in 1931, when she reopened on West 47th Street in collaboration with her sister-in-law, Eva Rosenstein and Charles Gumprecht.

In 1937, Rosenstein was described by Life Magazine as one of the most highly regarded American designers. She was one of the first recipients of the Neiman Marcus Fashion Award on its launch in 1938. In 1940, Rosenstein clothing was sold out of 92 shops and department stores across the USA, at prices ranging from $98 to $500. Whilst these prices were beyond the range of most consumers, Rosenstein's designs were so widely copied that she still influenced the average American woman's wardrobe. One such design was the "little black dress" designed to go from day to evening with low-cut evening necklines combined with daywear silhouettes and materials. Her designs also included printed dresses with gloves to match, and she was also known for her accessories and striking costume jewellery.

After Nettie Rosenstein retired from the fashion industry, her name was carried on by long time business partner and Coty Award Winner, Sol L. Klein, who designed and manufactured costume jewelry and handbags under the name Nettie Rosenstein Accessories. Sol L. Klein retired from the accessories business in 1975. announced her second retirement in March 1942, inspiring a tribute in TIME Magazine. However, this retirement did not last long, as she resumed fashion design a few years later, winning a Coty Award in 1947. She was the designer responsible for First Lady Mamie Eisenhower's dress commissioned by Neiman Marcus for the 1953 Inauguration Ball.