How to tell if Carole Little is vintage

Carole Little was a pioneer in the fashion world, best known for her sophisticated yet accessible designs that resonated with working women looking for chic, affordable clothing. She and her husband, Leonard Rabinowitz, founded California Fashion Industries in 1975 with their first label, Saint Tropez West. Inspired by the effortless style she observed during her travels to France, Little sought to bring a similar blend of European elegance and California cool to American women. Her ability to balance trendy yet timeless designs helped propel her brand to success throughout the late 1970s and into the ’80s, making it a staple in department stores across the country.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Carole Little became a household name, known for her bold prints, luxurious fabrics, and versatile pieces that could easily transition from day to night. Her designs were featured on popular TV shows like *Remington Steele* and worn by celebrities, solidifying her place in the fashion industry. The company expanded its lines to include petites, dresses, and career wear, meeting the diverse needs of women who valued both style and practicality. By the mid-1990s, the brand’s reach extended to over 2,000 stores, with annual sales peaking at $375 million.

Though Carole Little faced challenges later in her career, including the eventual sale of her company in 2000, her influence on fashion remains undeniable. Her commitment to creating affordable, stylish apparel paved the way for a new wave of designers who sought to democratize fashion. Today, vintage Carole Little pieces are prized for their enduring quality and timeless appeal, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the effortless style that defined an era.

60s Fashion in London’s King Street

How to tell if Carole Little is vintage from the logo

Carole Little is known for creating timeless, elegant women’s apparel. The brand’s logos, like those of many fashion brands, have evolved slightly over the years, making them an essential element in determining whether a particular item is vintage. In this guide, we’ll explore the Carole Little logo from the era you’ve provided to help you better identify the vintage nature of your clothing.

1980s to now Carole Little logo

• The logo prominently features the initials “CL” in a bold, stylized font, typically white against a darker background.
• “CAROLE LITTLE” is written below the initials in a serif typeface, with all letters in capital letters.
• The font used for the brand name has a dotted texture, giving it a unique appearance that stands out.
• The overall look is minimalistic yet distinctive, and this design has been used consistently since the 1980s.
• There are no significant changes in this logo design over the years, making it harder to identify specific decades from just the logo.

How to tell if Carole Little is vintage from the tags

Carole Little is known for her timeless and stylish designs that span multiple decades. The tags used on Carole Little garments have evolved over the years, reflecting changes in fashion trends, branding, and the company’s identity. The following guide helps identify vintage Carole Little garments by examining the tags from different eras.

Can’t identify those vintage tags or labels? Upload a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll help you out!

1970s vintage Carole Little tags

• Tags typically feature the “Carole Little” name in bold serif lettering.
• Some tags include “for Saint-Tropez West” branding, indicating a collaboration.
• Tags are rectangular and made with darker fabric, with white text detailing fabric care and material.
• Often includes specific fabric care instructions such as “Professionally dry clean only.”
• Tag sizes are usually indicated on a separate, smaller tag underneath the main label.

1980s vintage Carole Little tags

• The “Carole Little” logo is in a sleek, modernized serif font.
• Some tags still use “for Saint-Tropez West” for specific collections, especially for silk or other premium fabrics.
• Black and white contrast is a common color choice for the labels, often with silk or acetate material descriptions.
• Text is sharp and clean, reflecting an elevated look and feel as Carole Little became more well-known in fashion.

1990s vintage Carole Little tags

• The iconic “CL” logo is prominently placed above the “Carole Little” name, which is in bold, sans-serif lettering.
• Tags are often rectangular and black, with white text showcasing both the logo and brand name.
• Sub-brands like “Carole Little Sport” and “Petites” begin to appear, reflecting the expansion of the brand.
• Some tags include size details, often on a smaller separate tag or within the main design.

2000s vintage Carole Little tags

• The branding becomes more minimal, with a larger focus on the “CL” logo above the “Carole Little” name.
• Tags continue to use black fabric with white or silver lettering, maintaining a consistent modern aesthetic.
• Labels during this time are often used on knitwear, petite lines, or specific fabric collections, showcasing a diverse range of clothing lines.
• Minimal care instructions are found on separate tags, and the branding has a streamlined and polished appearance.