G. Fox Window Displays: Safari Beige
PhotographerPhotographed by
Edward Saxe
(American, died 1975)
PhotographerPhotographed by
Unknown
Date1953
MediumPhotography; gelatin silver prints on paper
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 7 1/8 x 9in. (18.1 x 22.9cm)
Sheet (height x width): 8 x 10in. (20.3 x 25.4cm)
ClassificationsGraphics
Credit LineGift of Reata Overman
Object number2012.189.1-.4
DescriptionCostumed mannequins are posed in the windows of the G. Fox department store. In some windows, designers are positioning the mannequins. Displays of women's clothing include African sculptures arranged as in a gallery or museum. A sign reads: "Safari Beige / Spring Fashion Adventure / in Natural Beige Tones / these by Adele Simpson / Specialty Shop / Fifth Floor."
Collections
Label TextWhen the Hartford department store G. Fox advertised "Safari Beige" as a fasionable new color for spring in 1953, window designer Bryce Muir borrowed African scuptures from the nearby Wadsworth Atheneum to set the tone. In some of these photographs, Muir and "fashion stylist" Reata Overman are shown posing costumed mannequins modeling women's fashions in the large windows on Main Street.
NotesSubject Note: According to information provided by the donor, the man and woman shown installing the displays are designer Bryce Muir and "fashion stylist" Reata Overman and the art work on display was borrowed from the Wadsworth Atheneum. According to Overman, the displays were changed every week and Beatrice Fox Auerbach would drive by the front of the store to inspect each new display, making sure that both the prices of the merchandise and the department where the merchandise was to be found were visible. (Finlay 3/13/2012)Date Note: Advertisements for "Safari Beige" appeared in the Hartford Courant in 1953. (Finlay 3/13/2012)
Status
Not on view
