Who Was Marguerite Rubel
Marguerite Rubel was an American fashion designer and manufacturer born in Iowa in the 1920s. She grew up on a farm during the economic hardship of the 1930s. Even as a child, she learned to make clothing for her family from whatever materials she could find. Early on, you can already see a practical approach to garment making. Vintage Fashion Guild. She moved west as a young adult. Her early work included building airplane parts and training as a pilot. When opportunities in aviation did not pan out, she shifted to work that kept her closer to her hands and tools. She learned pattern making and made clothes for friends. Vintage Fashion Guild. From these beginnings, she developed a career in fashion. By the late 1940s, she founded her own manufacturing business in San Francisco. Her outerwear, especially coats and jackets, was sold through major department stores. Vintage Fashion Guild
Why Her Work Matters Today
Clothing by Marguerite Rubel appears in vintage clothing markets decades after it was produced. You might find her name on a collectible coat or jacket while browsing online auctions or vintage marketplaces. That ongoing interest shows her work resonated beyond its initial release. Etsy. There are a few reasons her designs still attract attention:
- Her garments were well-made with quality materials.
- Many featured unique design elements uncommon in mass-produced rainwear or outerwear.
- They represent a period in fashion history when American designers worked independently before global fast fashion took hold.
These points matter if you are a collector trying to assess value or an enthusiast trying to understand why some vintage items stand out.
How Her Career Grew
Marguerite Rubel’s career took an important turn in the mid 1940s. She created a raincoat that proved fashionable rather than utilitarian at an international event in San Francisco. That piece received positive attention and helped launch her professional path. Vintage Fashion Guild. Once she had this initial success, she focused on outerwear. Her company produced coats and jackets that were sold in prominent stores. These included well-known retailers that catered to customers seeking quality fashion rather than only basic garments. Vintage Fashion Guild. One of her notable designs was a jacket featuring a graphic of the world map. This piece drew attention for its bold imagery. Reports suggest that public figures wore her garments, adding to her recognition. Vintage Fashion Guild
Understanding Her Design Approach
If you are trying to evaluate a garment attributed to Marguerite Rubel, focus on several traits that often signal quality and design intent:
- Construction that feels sturdy in hand.
- Graphic or pattern details that are unusual for the era.
- Labels that include her name and often a San Francisco origin.
Finding these elements can help you decide if a piece is authentic and worth your attention.
Where Her Pieces Appear Today
You will find clothing labeled with her name in a range of vintage and secondhand marketplaces. These include online auction websites and curated vintage shops. Many items are jackets or coats from the 1960s to 1980s. Etsy Prices for these pieces vary. Some are modest if they show wear. Others that are rare or in very good condition can command higher interest from collectors. This ongoing market reflects the combination of design interest and scarcity that drives vintage fashion value.
Practical Tips When You Encounter Her Work
If you come across a garment with her label, here’s what to do:
- Check the condition closely. Look for damage or repairs.
- Research similar items online to compare styles and typical prices.
- Assess whether it fits your personal use or if you intend to preserve it as a collectible.
Example: You find a wool coat from the 1960s attributed to her. Examine the seams and lining. If the coat’s overall form looks well-maintained and the label matches other known examples you have seen, you can feel more confident about its authenticity and potential value.
How to Store Vintage Garments
Storing vintage pieces helps preserve them. Use these steps:
- Keep garments in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
- Avoid plastic bags for long-term storage. Choose breathable fabric covers.
- Fold heavy coats carefully with acid-free tissue paper to reduce stress on fabric.
These steps help prevent fading, fabric weakening, and pest damage.
Where to Learn More
If you want deeper insight into vintage designers and how to identify quality pieces, consider visiting local vintage shops with experienced curators. You can also join online forums focused on vintage fashion. These platforms often share knowledge about designers like her and how to authenticate garments.
FAQ
Who was she? She was an American fashion designer and manufacturer known for outerwear that combined style and function. Vintage Fashion Guild: Why do her garments still matter? Her work is part of a fashion era before modern mass production. Collectors seek her pieces for quality and design. Etsy: How can I tell if a piece is real? Look at the label, construction quality, and compare with other known examples found in vintage guides or online listings.
