Eleanor Lambert Popularizer of American fashion, founder of the Council of Fashion Designers of America Date of Birth: 10.08.1903 Country: USA

Biography of Eleanor Lambert

Eleanor Lambert, the founder of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and a prominent figure in the New York fashion scene, is often referred to as the 'godmother' of American fashion. Born in 1903 in Crawfordsville, Indiana, Lambert developed a passion for fashion and clothing at a young age. After graduating from the John Herron School of Art, she enrolled in the Chicago Art Institute, where she focused on studying fashion.

Driven by ambition and self-confidence, Lambert moved to New York to pursue her career. She initially worked as an art agent before landing a job as a press secretary at the Whitney Museum of American Art. However, her true passion lay in fashion, and she gradually established herself as a respected fashion expert. Lambert wrote for various publications and became a professional fashion critic whose opinion was highly regarded.

Even before the start of World War II, Lambert managed to shift the public perception of fashion capitals from Paris to New York. She played a key role in popularizing American fashion and enhancing the sales of young American designers. In 1943, Lambert established the first fashion public relations agency in the United States, which focused on promoting fashion collections and designers. The agency stood out for its freshness, boldness, and stylish approach.

To further promote young American fashion, Lambert came up with several ideas, one of which was the creation of the CFDA in 1962. This organization, still active today, has become a significant influence in the global fashion industry. Lambert's other achievement was the creation of Fashion Press Week, which served as a prototype for modern Fashion Weeks.

Lambert's authority in the fashion industry grew to the point where her opinion became the ultimate fashion standard. She became the creator and author of the International Best Dressed List, which included Hollywood actresses, politicians' wives, models, singers, and other prominent personalities. Being included in this list became increasingly prestigious over time. Although the list is now compiled by Vanity Fair magazine, Lambert entrusted its creation to the magazine's editors before retiring in 2002.

In September 2003, Lambert made her final appearance at a fashion event during New York Fashion Week. On October 7, 2003, Eleanor Lambert passed away at the age of 100. She was survived by her husband, Seymour Berkson, whom she married in 1936, and their son Bill Berkson, who later became a poet. Following her death, Lambert's grandson, Moses Berkson, produced a short documentary film about the life of the iconic American fashion figure, Eleanor Lambert.