Friday, December 21, 2007

Janice Wainwright


In 1940 Janice Wainwright was born in Chesterfield, England. Janice attended three post secondary schools throughout her lifetime: Wimbledon School of Art(now Wimbledon College of Art), Kingston School of Art and the Royal College of Art in London


60's Cut-Out Mini Dress, sold for £125


In 1965 Janice started working for the label "Simon Massey."

60's Janice for Simon Massey Mini Dress

1968 Rayon Dress, retailed at Sidney Smith Boutique
(courtesy of V & A Museum and Museum of Costume, Bath )


She soon became highly respected by world-renowned designer, Ossie Clark. It has been documented that she was the only designer besides Ossie himself to be permitted use to Celia Birtwell's textiles in the 60's.


60's Purple Velvet Waistcoat


In 1969 Janice stopped working for Simon Massey. It wasn't until 1970 that she started designing under her own label, 'Janice Wainwright at Forty Seven Poland Street.' Janice's work in the 70's was a lot more sophisticated then her youthful designs of the 60's.

70's Green Dress


Embroidery became a signature of Janice's work during the 'Poland Street' era. Her work became a lot more intricate, focusing more on detail. She continued to work under that label until 1974 where she switched simply to 'Janice Wainwright.'


70's Embroidered Jacket


Janice's love in detail heightened in the mid 70's. Although, she returned to the simpler silhouette's and designs in the late 70's. She continued the pattern all throughout the 80's.



( all images on this post were supplied by http://www.vintage-a-peel.co.uk/ unless stated otherwise)