Today, women have no shortage of choices of professional apparel that is stylish, comfortable, and easy on the wallet. But pickings were much slimmer back in the '70s, when Carole Little was first making her mark in women’s retail apparel.
The Los-Angeles-based fashion designer, who died of cancer at age 80 on September 19, debuted what could be called the very first “boyfriend” blouse in the mid-70s.
The loose-fitting shirt sported epaulets and two front pockets, and had an oversized look that was flattering on all forms. It came in six colors and retailed for $68. Its versatility made it a wardrobe staple for career women.
The ‘80s saw Little continue to produce working woman favorites that included bright, floral silks and slouchy wool gabardine suits.
Little faced hard times in the ‘90s and eventually filed for bankruptcy and lost the rights to her own name, but she continued designing clothes until her retirement in 2013.
Her clothing had a far-ranging impact on society, from the working woman to the silver screen and everyone in between. To help celebrate her life and work, here's four female celebrities who wore Little well.
Lauren Hutton wore Carole Little's signature blouse on the cover of People, causing it to soar in popularity.
On the '80s show 'Remington Steele', Stephanie Zimbalist's star character Laura Holt (far left) frequently wore Carole Little.
Joan Collins was a fan of Little, and is said to have owned custom-made creations by the designer
Donna Summer became a fashion icon in the '70s, and had some Little originals in her collection.