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April 11, 2026

Evan-Picone: Tailoring the Modern American Woman

Evan-Picone is a seminal name in American fashion, synonymous with the rise of sophisticated, ready-to-wear tailoring for the modern woman.

Founded in 1949 by Charles Evans and Joseph Picone, the brand revolutionized the industry by applying the precision of men's tailoring to women’s clothing. They first achieved legendary status with the introduction of the “Diva” skirt, a perfectly tailored, self-belted design that offered a level of fit and quality previously unseen in mass-produced garments.

By the 1950s and ’60s, Evan-Picone had become the go-to label for the “career woman,” offering sharp blazers, pleated skirts, and sleek trousers that combined professional authority with feminine elegance.

What truly set Evan-Picone apart was its commitment to fabric and construction, often utilizing fine wools and flannels to create durable yet stylish silhouettes. The brand’s aesthetic epitomized the polished, mid-century “Ivy League” and “Preppy” looks, making it a staple in high-end department stores like B. Altman and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Take a look at these vintage photos to see how Evan-Picone mastered the art of the perfect fit during the golden age of American tailoring.

Georgia Hamilton in poppy-red Irish linen shorts by Evan-Picone and hand-yarned white with colorful stripes top by Grobus, photo by Louise Dahl-Wolfe at the Temple of the warriors at Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico, Harper's Bazaar, May 1952

Dovima in skirt by Evan-Picone, Vogue, February 1, 1955

Jean Patchett in Italian velveteen taper pants by Diva tailored by Evan-Picone, Vogue, November 1, 1955

Anne St. Marie in skirt by Evan-Picone, Vogue, August 15, 1956

Barbara Mullen in box coat of pale beige cashmere by La Vigna and black wool gabardine straight skirt by Evan Picone, Sally Victor hat, photo by Clifford Coffin, Vogue, January 1956

Marilyn Ambrose (left) and Dovima in wrapped-to-the-back flare and sheath skirts by Evan-Picone, Vogue, September 1, 1956

Suzy Parker in Mayflower flannel worsted skirt by Evan-Picone, Vogue, February 1, 1956

Anne St. Marie and Nina de Voogt in skirt and shirt sets by Evan Picone, Vogue, March 1, 1957

Evelyn Tripp in walking skirt of blue wool tweed by Evan-Picone, the gray-cowled red sweater is by Korrigan-Lesur, shoes by Millerkin, photo by Richard Avedon, Harper's Bazaar, August 1957

Jean Patchett and Joan Friedman, Evan-Picone ad, Vogue, August 1, 1957

Model in ankle-length pants of Pailsey-print silk shantung lined in cotton by Evan-Picone, and silk blue knit polo shirt by Braemar, chain link belt by Carnegie, shoes by Capezio, photo by Richard Rutledge, Vogue, April 15, 1957

Evelyn Tripp and Anne St. Marie are wearing Fall ensembles in textured wool skirts and lightweight wool and jersey tops by Evan-Picone, handbag by Susan Gail, Vogue, September 1, 1958

Iris Bianchi in silk shirt by Epic Ltd. and plaid doeskin flannel skirt by Evan-Picone, Vogue, January 1, 1958

Iris Bianchi (left) and Dolores Hawkins (right) in Evan-Picone casual wear, Vogue, April 1, 1958

Joanna McCormick in plaid slacks by Evan-Picone, Vogue, August 15, 1959

Lisa Bigelow in white hooded cashmere sweater by Hadley and beige flannel skirt by Evan-Picone, photo by Sante Forlano, Vogue, December 1, 1959

Model in cardigan jacket and slim skirt by Evan-Picone, Vogue, November 1, 1959

Deborah Dixon in pure gray wool flannel three-piece ensemble by Evan-Picone, Vogue, November 1, 1960

Iris Bianchi in two-piece dress of white wool flannel by Evan-Picone, hair-bow by Halston, shoes by Evins, photo by Melvin Sokolsky, Harper's Bazaar, December 1960

Model in beige Braemer cashmere cardigan, Evan-Picone flannel skirt and brilliantly printed scarf-blouse by Vera, photo by Jerry Schatzberg, Vogue, February 15, 1960

Model in Moygashel Irish linen tunic two-piece in orange and lilac Roman stripes by Evan-Picone, Vogue, April 1, 1961

Monique Chevalier in cinnamon skirt and blond cardigan of wool tweed over pink sleeveless angora and lambswool pull-over, all by Evan-Picone, ring by Castlecliff, photo by Bert Stern, Vogue, August 1, 1961

Monique Chevalier in lemon-yellow sleeveless sweater of lamb's wool and angora by Evan-Picone, faux emeralds and gilt jewelry by Brania, photo by Bruce Davidson, Vogue, July 1961

Suzy Parker in floral print shirt and shorts in shades of shocking pink and yellow cotton by Evan-Picone, Basque beret, photo by Richard Avedon, Harper's Bazaar, May 1962

British actress Margaret Leighton wearing a matte white crêpe shirt with poet's collar by Evan-Picone, photo by Lillian Bassman, Harper's Bazaar, May 1963

Wilhelmina in beige poplin shirt-coat over gray flannel skirt with pink turtleneck and white boots, all by Evan-Picone, photo by Gene Laurents, car is 1964 Cadillac Eldorado convertible, Vogue, November 1, 1963

Model in green tweed suit by Evan-Picone, brown Aris gloves, and bowl-shaped Halston hat, photo by Horst P. Horst, Vogue, February 1, 1964

Suzy Parker is wearing a white shirt by Evan-Picone and dotted tie by Camilla Smith, photo by Bert Stern, Vogue, 1967

Agneta Frieberg in navy and white three-piece double knit ensemble by Evan-Picone, Harper's Bazaar, March 1968

Jean Shrimpton in little checked weskit in black, camel, and white wool with plaid dirndl in same colors by Evan-Picone, rayon-crêpe poet shirt by Sarff-Zumpano, photo by Richard Avedon, Vogue, August 1, 1968

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