Jacket 1935 - 1942

Gladys Cook made this jacket design with graphite and watercolor on paper. Born in 1885, Cook's long life spanned a period of radical change in women's fashion and gender roles. While the jacket's design is undated, its very existence speaks volumes. In a time when women were often confined to domestic roles, Cook worked as a professional designer. The jacket reflects a pivotal moment in fashion history: The loosening of the Victorian corset, the simple skirt and tailored jacket offered women newfound freedom of movement, mirroring their growing social and economic independence. The design embodies this shift, suggesting a move towards practicality and understated elegance. Understanding Cook's design requires delving into the history of fashion as a reflection of social change. Fashion magazines, design school archives, and historical accounts of women's roles in the workplace all provide valuable context. By exploring these resources, we can uncover the rich stories embedded within seemingly simple designs.