Charles James (designer)

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Elegant evening gown with shell pink satin over black lace with ginger antique silk hem.

For the US Senator, see Charles Tillinghast James.

Charles James (July 1906-1978) was a fashion designer known for his rather difficult aesthetic. He is considered a master of cutting.

James showed one of his most successful collections in Paris in 1947. In the 1950s he spent most of his time in New York.

James looked upon his dresses as works of art, as did many of his customers. Year after year he reworked original designs, ignoring the sacrosanct schedule of seasons. The components of the precisely constructed designs were interchangeable so that James had a never-ending fund of ideas on which to draw. He is most famous for his sculpted ball gowns made of lavish fabrics and to exacting tailoring standards, but is also remembered for his capes and coats, often trimmed with fur and embroidery, his spiral zipped dresses, and his white satin quilted jackets.

After the birth of his son, he also produced a children's collection.

He designed the interior and several pieces of furniture for the Houston home of John and Dominque de Menil.

After returning to New York City from Paris, Scaasi worked for James for two years. ^[1]