Tina Leser Designs Using Modern Masters Fabric - 1956

In 1955, Fuller Fabrics worked with several famous artists of the time to create their line of Modern Masters fabrics.  The fabrics were available to the home sewer and were also used by several fashion designers including Tina Leser.  For Spring 1956, Leser created these garments using a Fuller Modern Masters fabric in a print based on a Raoul Dufy painting.  I am unable to identify the Dufy painting that this rayon fabric is from, but it it a pretty yellow and green floral with perhaps some pears or other fruits.  Leser cleverly used cut-outs of the flowers in the print to form the shoulder straps on these pieces.

At left:  Patio ensemble consisting of the swimsuit, full skirt and a yellow sweater (not shown).  Sold in 1956 for $110 (about $930 in today's dollar.)
At right:  Skirted swimsuit with solid yellow side panels.  Sold in 1956 for $25 (about $211 in today's dollar.)

Here, Leser uses the Dufy print fabric for capri length trousers that peek out from the side slits in a solid green dress.  This is called a "shopping dress" in the ad.  Sold in 1956 for $50 (about $423 in today's dollar.)

Want to learn more about the Modern Masters line of fabrics?  Lizzie over at The Vintage Traveler blog has written several posts about garments and fabrics from this line.  She also links to an article from Life magazine about the fabrics.  Check it out!