Swim Cap, about 1956

Hat, 1955-1965

Hat, 1945-1955

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.

Hat, 1955-1965

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.

Hat, 1950-1955

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.

Beret, 1948-1955

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.

Skullcaps, 1955-1965

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.

Shoes, 1955-1965

Mrs. Firestone likely had these custom made to match a specific outfit, now gone. This was a style she favored in the late 1950s and 1960s. The color indicates summer wear.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…

Shoes, about 1955-1965

Please note that this style, which showed "toe cleavage" and is often backless, was Mrs. Firestone's favorite style for nearly two decades. This style was custom made for her in hundreds of colors and fabrics.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 collectio…

White Satin Ball Gown with Heavily Beaded Bodice, 1955

Powdery-blue or blue-grey satin evening gown. Floral embroidery of silver, pink and blue-grey colored metallic threads (some appear to be tarnished silver, others may be synthetic) decorated with iridescent rhinestones and tiny sequins. Embroidery diminishes towards bottom of dress; no embroidery at hemline. Skirt smooth and curved in front, gathered in back. At center-back waistline is a large asymmetrical vertical bow with attached sash. Corselet inside of bodice. Bodice stiffened with white c…

Ebroidered Organza and Satin Dress with Shawl, about 1957

Short evening dress with shawl. Cream organza over satin. Stylized pink thistles with greens stems embroidered down front in silk floss, gold sequins and gold metal. Fitted strapless bodice with two vertical bows on either side of center front waistline. Half-belt in back at the waistline. Corselet in bodice. Stiff nylon underskirt with two layers of nylon tulle. Double organza rectangular shawl with stylized carnation embroidered on center back. This garment was owned by Mrs. Harvey Firestone o…

Shoes, 1955-1965

Mrs. Firestone surely wore these shoes in summer. 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.

Shoes, about 1960

These shoes were custom made to match a red chiffon dress designed by Bob Bugnand, which is not in our collection. The cut out spiral at throat line was a preferred styling for Mrs. Firestone circa 1960. 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 ill…

Fuschia Silk Chiffon Evening Dress, 1953-1955

Fuschia silk chiffon floor-length evening dress. Horizontal tucks in front become vertical in back. Loose, floating panels hang from waistline. This garment was owned by Mrs. Harvey Firestone of Detroit, Michigan.The floating panels would have looked fabulous as Mrs. Firestone danced. She liked this gown very much and had one made in white chiffon as well.

Embroidered Cotton Organdy Dress with Stole, 1955

White cotton organdy gown with floral pattern embroidery. Embroidery includes white raffia, silver threads, silver beads, white horsehair, pearl-like sequins, silk(?) flower petals. Embroidery on bodice and wide band at the hem of the skirt. Underneath top layer is one layer of organdy, one layer of nylon stiffened with horsehair, two layers of white nylon net, and white silk slip. Matching wrap is large and oblong with same embroidery and triple scalloped end. Clothing label: PRINTEMPS-ETE 1955…

Shoes, 1955-1965

This style was Mrs. Firestone's favorite for nearly 15 years. She had many pairs made in this style to match specific couture gowns. 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.

Shoes, 1935-1955

These low heeled, sturdy pumps were used during the summer for more casual day wear and travel. The style indicates that Mrs. Firestone could have used them for nearly two decades. 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…

White Linen Print Srapless Dress, 1955

Heavy white linen dress printed with medium pink flower and leaf design. Strapless, fitted bodice with heart-shaped neckline. Full skirt. Seams do not match in center-front, sides. Clothing label: BALENCIAGA/10 AVENUE GEORGE V/PARIS. The Henry Ford has interesting correspondence concerning this dress, a design drawing indicating that the original dress had straps, and a photograph of a mannequin in the dress.

Shoes, 1955-1965

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.

Shoes, 1955-1970

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.