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  • Hat, 1950-1956

    Hat, 1950-1956

    Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1897 Elizabeth Parke married Harvey S. Firestone Jr., son of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founder Harvey S. Firestone, in 1921.Once described by a friend as, "the most luxurious woman in the history of luxury," Elizabeth Parke Firestone's clothing collection illustrates her impeccable taste in fashion.

  • Cap, 1956-1964

    Cap, 1956-1964

    Born in Decatur, Illinois in 1897 Elizabeth Parke married Harvey S. Firestone Jr., son of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founder Harvey S. Firestone, in 1921.Once described by a friend as, "the most luxurious woman in the history of luxury," Elizabeth Parke Firestone's clothing collection illustrates her impeccable taste in fashion.

  • Sleeveless Lace Cocktail Dress, 1953-1956

    Sleeveless Lace Cocktail Dress, 1953-1956

    Sleeveless dress of navy blue machine lace over navy organza and navy taffeta. Scooped neckline. Lace skirt stiffened with horsehair and taffeta. Seam at waistline. Taffeta petticoat is separate but snaps onto dress. Separate contour self-fabric belt. Clothing label: BALENCIAGA/10 AVENUE GEORGE V/PARIS. The use of lace was much favored by Balenciaga.

  • Two Piece Blue Linen Suit, 1953-1954

    Two Piece Blue Linen Suit, 1953-1954

    Medium-blue linen suit. Very little shaping to jacket; curved seams in front and back. Six-button front closure with 3/4-length sleeves, small cuffs and collar. Jacket is weighted. Sheath skirt has separate blue China silk petticoat. Clothing label: BALENCIAGA/10 AVENUE GEORGE V/PARIS. Handwritten on tag sewn on back of label: 45 121. A designer sample of this suit is worn by a Balenciaga mannequin in a 1956 photo. The Henry Ford also owns a design drawing of this suit.

  • Sou'wester Hat, 1956-1965

    Sou'wester Hat, 1956-1965

    This style of hat is referred to as a Sou'wester. This name was originally given to hats worn by sailors at sea to protect them from rain and the stormy sea. It is characterized by a waterproof material and a brim that widens at the back to protect the neck. The shape was eventually adopted and used in fashionable women's wear, such as this example. The bright color, flowers, and straw indicate that this hat was likely worn seasonally in the spring and summer.