Bonnie Cashin, born on September 28, 1908, and passing on February 3, 2000, was a transformative figure in American fashion. Widely regarded as a pioneer in the realm of American sportswear, Cashin’s career spanned multiple decades, starting from the post-World War II era to her retirement in 1985. Her designs were innovative and practical, catering to the needs of the modern, independent woman. Cashin’s legacy is marked by her commitment to creating uncomplicated, stylish clothing that prioritized function without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.

Cashin’s career began in the 1930s when she moved to New York City to work for the Roxy Theater, where she designed costumes for the theater’s dancers. This experience was pivotal, honing her skills in creating functional yet visually appealing designs. In 1937, encouraged by Harper’s Bazaar editor Carmel Snow, she transitioned to fashion design for the sportswear manufacturer Louis Adler. Despite initial reservations about the business-focused environment of Seventh Avenue, Cashin quickly made her mark, bringing her theatrical flair and understanding of movement and functionality to the fashion industry. During World War II, she also contributed to the war effort by designing uniforms for women in the armed forces, further solidifying her reputation as a designer who understood practical needs.

Cashin’s influence extended into Hollywood in the 1940s, where she designed costumes for numerous films. Her return to New York in 1949 marked the beginning of her significant contributions to ready-to-wear fashion. Cashin introduced the concept of layering, which became a cornerstone of modern sportswear, and collaborated with various brands, including her iconic work with Coach in the 1960s. Her designs for Coach introduced the use of hardware like brass turn locks, inspired by the fastenings on her convertible, which became a signature feature of her accessories. Cashin’s innovative approach and dedication to functional, stylish design have left an enduring legacy in the fashion world, influencing countless designers and continuing to resonate with fashion enthusiasts today.

History of Bonnie Cashin

How to tell if Bonnie Cashin is vintage from the logo

Bonnie Cashin, a pioneer in American sportswear, has left an indelible mark on the fashion industry. Known for her innovative designs and functional aesthetics, Cashin’s work spans several decades, each characterized by distinctive logos. These logos can help in identifying the era of a Bonnie Cashin piece. Here’s how to distinguish the vintage Bonnie Cashin logos:

1940s to 1960s Bonnie Cashin logo

• The logo from this era is primarily characterized by a handwritten script style.
• It features Bonnie Cashin’s full name written in a fluid, cursive manner.
• This logo often appears on tags with simple, clean backgrounds to emphasize the elegance of the signature.

1940s to 1960s Bonnie Cashin logo

1970s to 1980s Bonnie Cashin logo

• In this period, the logo maintained the cursive handwriting style but became more compact.
• The phrase “a Bonnie Cashin Design” is commonly used, emphasizing the personal touch of her creations.
• The design is often embroidered onto the fabric, highlighting the quality and authenticity of the garment.

1970s to 1980s Bonnie Cashin logo

How to tell if Bonnie Cashin is vintage from the tags

The evolution of Bonnie Cashin’s brand can be traced through the distinctive designs of her garment tags over the decades. From the early days of her collaboration with Coach and other brands to the later years, her tags reflect both the style and branding changes that occurred over time. Here is a guide to identifying the vintage era of Bonnie Cashin items based on their tags.

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1960s vintage Bonnie Cashin tags

• Features the “Bonnie Cashin Design” with a focus on her early work.
• Square or rectangular tags often with simple, elegant fonts.
• Tags sometimes include “Weatherwear for Russ Taylor” indicating the collaboration.
• Commonly seen with a signature-style script for “Bonnie Cashin”.

1960s Bonnie Cashin tags

1970s vintage Bonnie Cashin tags

• Reflects collaborations with brands like Sills and Coach.
• Tags feature “Bonnie Cashin Design” prominently, often with bright and bold colors.
• Use of distinctive, sometimes cursive, font for “Bonnie Cashin”.
• May include additional text such as “Weatherwear for Russ Taylor”.

1970s Bonnie Cashin tags

1980s vintage Bonnie Cashin tags

• Continued collaborations with Sills, with tags often stating “a Bonnie Cashin Design”.
• Tags often feature bold lettering and may include unique elements like leather cleaning instructions.
• Use of larger, more modern fonts compared to earlier decades.
• Tags often rectangular and include the brand and collaboration details clearly.

1980s Bonnie Cashin tags