Alex Colman was an American purveyor of sportswear and coordinates, best known for its casual vibe and playful, colorful prints during its mid-century reign. Founded in 1947 by Alex and Sade Colman, the brand quickly became synonymous with vibrant and stylish clothing that captured the essence of the California lifestyle. From polyester sheath dresses to leisure suits, Alex Colman California (ACC) made a significant mark in the fashion industry, with their distinctive prints and designs that continue to be cherished by vintage clothing collectors today.

The journey of Alex Colman California began shortly after World War II, when the Colmans seized the opportunity to utilize fabric mills in post-war Japan. This innovation, combined with a focus on women’s separates, coordinates, and sportswear, set ACC apart from its contemporaries. The brand’s bold and impeccable prints, largely crafted by Sade’s sister, Blanche Lefton, became a hallmark of their collections. Lefton’s expertise in print design and fabric engineering played a crucial role in establishing ACC as one of the most prominent California-inspired brands of the era, at one point making it the largest apparel manufacturer in the country.

The 1960s and 1970s marked the peak of Alex Colman’s influence, with designs that resonated deeply with the cultural shifts of the time. As the hippie movement and the “Summer of Love” ushered in an era of bold, bright prints, ACC was at the forefront with its unique patterns and vibrant color palettes. From giant flowers to surreal graphics, Lefton’s designs captured the spirit of the age and adorned popular silhouettes like miniskirts, sheath dresses, and tunics. The brand’s success continued into the 1970s, with polyester coordinates becoming a staple in department stores nationwide. Despite its eventual closure in the mid-1980s, Alex Colman California’s legacy endures, celebrated by vintage fashion enthusiasts who seek out its iconic designs and timeless style.

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How to tell if Alex Colman is vintage from the logo

Alex Colman has a rich history in fashion, particularly noted for its vibrant and distinctive designs from mid-20th century. Identifying whether an Alex Colman piece is vintage can often be determined by examining the logo used on the clothing tag. Here’s a guide to help you identify the vintage Alex Colman logo based on the era.

1950s to 1980s Alex Colman logo

• The logo features the name “alex colman” in lowercase letters.
• The font style is bold and blocky, characteristic of mid-century modern design trends.
• “CALIFORNIA” is written below the main logo in a smaller, spaced-out font, emphasizing the brand’s origins.
• The overall design is simplistic yet distinctive, making it easily recognizable.

1950s to 1980s Alex Colman logo

How to tell if Alex Colman is vintage from the tags

Alex Colman is a brand known for its vibrant and stylish sportswear, with a rich history that can be traced through the evolution of its garment tags. The tags have undergone several changes over the decades, reflecting shifts in branding and design aesthetics. Here is a guide to identifying vintage Alex Colman pieces by examining their tags.

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1950s vintage Alex Colman tags

• Tags from this era are simple and straightforward.
• Features “alex colman” in lowercase, often in a plain font.
• The word “California” is commonly included, emphasizing the brand’s origins.

1950s Alex Colman tags

1960s vintage Alex Colman tags

• Tags begin to reflect a more modern and stylish look.
• Still predominantly lowercase, but with a slightly bolder font.
• “California” remains a key part of the branding, often in a distinct position under the main name.

1960s Alex Colman tags

1970s vintage Alex Colman tags

• The design becomes more distinctive, with colorful and unique tag shapes.
• Includes “alex colman” in bold lettering, sometimes with a stylized “a” icon.
• Tags often have a triangular or unusual shape, adding to the brand’s unique appeal.
• “California” is often in a smaller, italicized font under the main logo.

1970s Alex Colman tags

1980s vintage Alex Colman tags

• Tags from this decade show a shift towards a more sophisticated design.
• Features “alex colman” in a serif font, often with a more refined appearance.
• The inclusion of “California” continues, maintaining the brand’s heritage.
• Tags are typically rectangular, with a clean and elegant layout.

1980s Alex Colman tags