Business - Dressmaking

Creator

Kentucky Museum

Preview

Creation Date

1997

Description

Many well-dressed nineteenth and early-twentieth century Warren County residents bough clothing made by dressmakers, modistes or tailors. Lillie and Mattie Sumpter, Corrine Brashear and Mrs. A.H. (Carrie) Taylor were among Bowling Green's most successful modistes. Carrie Taylor began designing dresses in 1880. At the height of her business, Taylor employed 275 women, sent out mail order catalogs twice yearly to 24,000 customers living in forty-eight states and abroad and earned $50,000 a year.

This bed jacket is an exquisite example of the fashion sense Taylor possessed and the beautifully made garments her employees produced.