Set of 137 fashion design sketches

[n.p.:] 1955-57 Stored in a contemporary accordion-fold card paper portfolio hand-labeled "Sketches of Accepted Designs.". 137 sheets of hand-drawn sketches (sixty-two on 9" x 11 " sheets, 75 on 5 " x 8 " sheets). Most with handwritten design descriptions, notes, and accompanying fabric swatches pinned or taped onto the sheets. Also with price lists, inventories, and printed ads for the Candy Jr. brand (ads correspond with designs made by Saunders that are included in the present set). Portfolio somewhat worn and creased. Enclosed are eight contemporary manila folders, organized by season (Holiday 1955, Fall 1956, Spring 1957, etc.), all hand-labeled in pencil. Some designs signed "V. Saunders" or "Vivian Saunders." Some toning and creasing to leaves. A few fabric swatches detached from leaves. Overall, a very good set of striking original sketches of 1950s-era fashion designs for young women. Most of the sketches are for party dresses and evening gowns made for young women in their early teens to early twenties (juniors and misses). The designs include many iconic designs associated with the 1950s, including "poodle" skirts with ample petticoats, boleros and cardigans, and sheath dresses with cinched waists. The 26 swatches indicate a wide range of textures, colors, and patterns like gingham, plaid, organza, metallics, appliques, ribbon, velvet, fur, and much more."