Woman's Pantsuit, circa 1973
Leather Purse, circa 1972
Donated by Eileen Ramm

The 1970s were all about change. Polyester fabrics were quickly adopted as fashionable, non-wrinkling, and easy to care for. The hippies contributed bell-bottoms. The "mods" contributed wide lapels and collars. Women took on the male suit in order to break through gender lines.

These influences came together in our baby blue polyester, two piece pantsuit. It was purchased at Bonwit Teller, a now-defunct upscale clothing concern catering to modern, fashion-conscious women. The label in the coat warns the owner against the use of petroleum solvents as cleaning agents!