David Crystal, a name synonymous with high-quality women’s fashion, has a rich history dating back to 1906. Founded by David Crystal himself, the company originally focused on producing women’s suits and coats, quickly gaining a reputation for elegance and durability. By the 1930s, the brand had established itself as a significant player in the women’s fashion industry. Under the leadership of Philip E. Crystal, David’s son, and Vincent Draddy, who joined as a salesman in 1930 and later became the chairman, the company expanded its offerings and influence, adapting to the changing tastes and trends of the fashion world.

Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, David Crystal became renowned for its sporty ensembles, including wrap skirts, blouses with matching shorts, and shawls. The brand’s innovation didn’t stop there; they introduced shirtwaist dresses and affordable suits that captured the essence of the era’s fashion. Notably, the company collaborated with famed designers like Christian Dior Junior and French designer Carven, further cementing its status in the fashion industry. During this time, Bill Blass, who would later become a prominent designer, had one of his first design jobs at David Crystal, contributing to the brand’s creative direction.

In 1952, David Crystal Company took a significant step by signing an agreement with Lacoste, leading to the creation and distribution of Lacoste shirts and polo shirt dresses in the United States. This partnership, along with the acquisition of the Izod and Haymaker labels, helped popularize the iconic crocodile logo and the “preppy” look that became fashionable in the 1960s and early 1980s. Despite its eventual sale to General Mills in 1968 and the rebranding to Crystal Brands, the David Crystal label continued to be a staple in American fashion until the company closed in the mid-1990s. The legacy of David Crystal lives on through its timeless designs and contributions to the fashion industry.

How to tell if David Crystal is vintage from the logo

David Crystal, a well-known American clothing brand, has evolved its logo design over the decades, reflecting the changing aesthetics and trends in the fashion industry. Identifying whether a David Crystal item is vintage can be done by closely examining the logo. Below is a guide to the different David Crystal logos from the 1950s to the 1970s.

1950s David Crystal logo

• The logo features a cursive, handwritten style font.
• The words “David Crystal” are clearly legible, with “David” and “Crystal” on the same line.
• The overall design is simple, reflecting the elegant and refined fashion of the 1950s.

1950s David Crystal logo

1960s to 1970s David Crystal logo

• The logo includes both cursive and block letters.
• “a David” is written in cursive script, while “CRYSTAL” is in large, bold block letters.
• The design incorporates a diagonal red and black background, adding a more dynamic and modern look compared to the 1950s logo.
• This logo reflects the bold and experimental fashion trends of the 1960s and 1970s.

1960s to 1970s David Crystal logo

How to tell if David Crystal is vintage from the tags

David Crystal has a rich history of producing quality garments, and over the decades, its tags have evolved significantly. From the classic and detailed designs of the 1940s to the more modern and colorful tags of the 1970s, these tags provide valuable insights into the era of each garment. Here’s a breakdown of the distinctive features found in David Crystal tags across different decades.

Having difficulty identifying vintage tags or labels? Submit a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll assist you!

1940s vintage David Crystal tags

• Tags often feature detailed embroidery and heraldic designs.
• Incorporates the phrase “American Reproduction” indicating high-quality reproductions of classic styles.
• Commonly uses elegant serif fonts and intricate logos.

1940s David Crystal tags

1950s vintage David Crystal tags

• Simple yet elegant designs, often featuring bold serif fonts.
• Tags usually include “Fashion” branding and care instructions on the reverse side.
• Classic white tags with black lettering are predominant.

1950s David Crystal tags

1960s vintage David Crystal tags

• Introduction of colorful and more vibrant tag designs.
• Tags often feature a combination of cursive and bold serif fonts.
• Commonly found with care instructions printed on the reverse side of the tag.

1960s David Crystal tags

1970s vintage David Crystal tags

• Bold and colorful designs, incorporating vibrant reds and unique patterns.
• Use of both cursive and bold serif fonts for brand names and additional information.
• Tags might include specific divisions like “Sunflowers” indicating different lines within the brand.
• Detailed care instructions often included on the tag itself or on the reverse side.

1970s David Crystal tags