Evan-Picone, a hallmark of American fashion, was established in 1949 through a fortuitous partnership between Charles Evans and Joseph Picone. Evans, fresh from his stint in the Army and seeking to carve out a niche in the clothing industry, conceptualized adding a fly-front to women’s skirts—a feature that would become the brand’s signature innovation. With Picone’s skilled craftsmanship, honed from years of tailoring since his apprenticeship at age seven in Italy, the duo transformed a simple idea into a thriving business. Setting up their first manufacturing line at Fifth Avenue and East 46th Street, they quickly gained a reputation for high-quality, stylish women’s sportswear.

The 1950s and 1960s marked a period of significant growth for Evan-Picone. Their early success with skirts soon expanded into a broader range of women’s sportswear, setting them apart in a competitive market. In 1962, the company was sold to Revlon for a substantial $12 million, though Picone would repurchase it a few years later, ensuring the brand retained its original vision and direction. This era solidified Evan-Picone’s reputation, making it a staple in American wardrobes, notably providing iconic outfits for Mary Tyler Moore in her 1970s television series.

The evolution of Evan-Picone reflects the changing tides of fashion and business strategies over the decades. By the 1980s, the brand had shifted focus from casual sportswear to sophisticated career attire, catering to the emerging market of professional women. This transition not only broadened their customer base but also paved the way for their acquisition by the Jones Apparel Group, under which the brand continued to flourish. Despite these changes, the core values of quality and style remained steadfast, a testament to the brand’s enduring legacy.

Understanding the rich history of Evan-Picone, one can appreciate the significance of its logos and tags, which have evolved alongside the brand. From the bold serif fonts of the 1960s to the streamlined designs of the 1990s, each logo and tag not only signifies a specific era but also tells a story of innovation, resilience, and adaptation. For vintage enthusiasts and collectors, these details are more than mere identifiers—they are pieces of a larger narrative that celebrate the enduring influence of Evan-Picone in the world of fashion.

How to tell if Evan-Picone is vintage from the logo

Evan-Picone has a rich history in fashion, known for its sophisticated and stylish designs. The brand’s logo has evolved over the decades, reflecting changes in fashion trends and design aesthetics. By examining the logo, one can determine the vintage nature of an Evan-Picone piece. Here’s a guide to help you identify the era of your Evan-Picone item based on its logo.

1950s to 1970s Evan-Picone logo

• The logo features a stylized triangular emblem to the left of the brand name.
• The text is in a classic serif font, with “Evan-Picone” spelled out in capital letters.
• The design has a formal and sophisticated look, reflecting the brand’s high-end fashion image during this period.

1950s to now Evan-Picone logo

• This logo variant presents “Evan-Picone” in a cursive, handwritten style.
• The logo includes the text “New York” beneath the brand name, emphasizing its American origins.
• This design has a more casual and personalized feel compared to the earlier logo, indicating a shift in branding strategy.

How to tell if Evan Picone is vintage from the tags

The evolution of Evan Picone tags reflects the brand’s journey through various fashion eras, showcasing changes in design, material, and branding style. From the intricate designs of the 1960s to the modern tags of the 2000s, each decade offers unique identifiers that help distinguish vintage pieces.

Struggling with vintage tags or labels? Upload a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll help you out!

1960s vintage Evan Picone tags

• Tags often feature intricate embroidery and detailed designs.
• Bold serif lettering is common, reflecting the elegance of the era.
• Often include phrases like “Original Design by Evan-Picone” or “Imported Fabric.”

1970s vintage Evan Picone tags

• Tags continue to use bold serif lettering, often in red or black.
• Include additional descriptors like fabric content and care instructions.
• Emphasis on the brand’s tailoring and craftsmanship.

1980s vintage Evan Picone tags

• Introduction of more modern, sleek fonts while retaining the brand’s classic aesthetic.
• Some tags feature the “Evan-Picone” logo with a small icon or emblem.
• Tags often include size indicators and country of manufacture.

1990s vintage Evan Picone tags

• Tags become more streamlined and minimalist.
• Frequent use of simple, bold lettering without additional graphics.
• Inclusion of “Made in” information, reflecting a shift in production locations.

2000s vintage Evan Picone tags

• Introduction of loop tags and more modern materials.
• Bold serif lettering remains, often in darker colors like black or navy.
• Tags may include additional branding like “Black Label by Evan-Picone.”