O
Outerbridge
Paul (1896-1958). Photographer from New York. He studied anatomy and aesthetics at the Art Student League, photography at the Clarence White School, and sculpture with Alexander Archipenko. At the same time he worked as an illustrator, painter, and set designer.…
Oreste Boggio Casero
Manufacturer of fine and extra fine fabrics in pure wool, cashmere, silk, and linen. It was founded in 1972 in Cerreto Castello (Biella) by Oreste Boggio Casero, an experienced project manager for major wool industry manufacturers. Seventy percent of output…
Outlet
Big trading spaces selling designer remainders, samples, unsold or excess stock, and previous seasons’ collections at reduced prices, with reductions from 20% to 70%. Outlets originated and spread rapidly in the USA (there are over 300), and are now slowly…
Organzine
Light fabric, made using two more more twisted threads of organize silk yarn. It is similar to muslin, but is more compact and robust and not as soft. In the second half of the 1950s, Emilio Pucci, who was always…
Ong
Benny (1949). English designer of Asian origin, known for his very feminine evening dresses. Born in Singapore, he studied at the St. Martin’s School of Art in London and started his own business in 1974 after working for different companies.
Ottoman
Medium-weight, closely-woven fabric, with clearly visible horizontal threads. Can be made from silk, wool, cotton, or rayon, with different wefts.
Orcel
Gilbert. French milliner. Active on the fashion scene from 1938 to 1972, who retired when the concept of the hat as an essential item of dress died out. After the war he became established worldwide and won a Neiman Marcus…
Orry-Kelly
Business name of John Kelley (1897-1964), an American costume designer. He formed one of the most celebrated partnerships between a costume designer and screen star with Bette Davis (like Garbo-Adrian and Dietrich-Banton). His creations influenced American women’s fashion for over…
Otter
Short haired, sheared, and shining fur similar to a beaver’s, but dark brown or black, and more precious.
Olivieri
Renato Olivieri was a journalist and writer. Former editor of Grazia magazine. He started off his career in the early 1950s in Turin working for Popolo Nuovo. But it was only in 1953 that he got involved in the fashion…