Maxwell, Vera (1901–1995)

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Maxwell, Vera (1901–1995)

American fashion designer . Name variations: Huppe. Born on April 22, 1901; died in Rincon, Puerto Rico, in January 15, 1995.

A popular American designer of sportswear known as the American Coco Chanel , Vera Maxwell designed women's clothes for endurance and comfort as well as chic. She created the prototype of the jumpsuit for Rosie the Riveter during World War II, as well as a zipperless, buttonless dress, known as the "Speed Suit," that could be donned in seconds. Her "Weekend Wardrobe," consisting of two jackets, two skirts, and a pair of slacks, was said to have been inspired by the dapper tweeds of Albert Einstein, during a 1935 visit. Her clients included Lillian Gish, Martha Graham, Pat Nixon and Rosalynn Carter .

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