4/10/10 . . . Every time I update the site, I feel like a million years have passed. We get so busy with gowns and the seasonal demands that I forget some of you all actually read this stuff! So to answer the questions that have come in, I will try my best.
Stephanie - I agree that Emma Domb and Fred Perlberg dresses have similar styles, even though they were from different coasts. However, I find that FP had always tried to out do his last design, where as Domb's dresses don't have lines that are similar or within the same style, but with different aspects. I enjoy both designers, but I am obviously more fond of FP!
Betty R - Taking in a vintage dress isn't as easy as it may seem. Most cleaners are just used to simple, every day clothing and will treat your vintage gem that way. I suggest going to a dressmaker and taking the time to do it right before it gets ruined. You wouldn't take a Bently to the high school auto shop for repairs!
Angie K - Yes, most vintage sizes are a lot smaller than todays sizes. It is no secret that todays women are fuller than those of the early 1900's. So the best thing to do is measure yourself and go by that when buying a vintage dress. Most vintage dealers today will give the actual measurements when describing a garment.
9/09What a year!!! Well, I have the first only picture of Fred Perlberg, which I will be posting, so if you see it any place else, you know they got it from me, who I got it from his son!!! Also, the collection has grown to over 140 dresses right now and along with private shows and fittings, rentals and stage uses, I opened a boutique where I showcase the FP gowns along with other vintage clothing and accessories. Although I would sell some of the FP gowns, I find that renting them out is easier on me!
My 5 yr old lost his tooth and the Lead East show was awesome!!! We will be back there next year!!! Lots of dresses and new fun stuff in this week, so I hope you drop in when you can! The Fall/Winter coats will out and the furs just look amazing!
There is something in my shop that was made just for you.
2/7/08. . . . . . .Well, I just got back on top of things and making it all come together has been a real job (aside from being wife, mom, maid,cook) but the site is almost ready and there are so many dresses to post! Thank you all so much for the wonderful emails and pictures and your patience. The restoration of all those dresses really put a toll on me and I am glad that all of you loved my work (and paid me for it). SO - the good news is that an indirect contact was made to Fred Perlbergs son and he has given me some info as well as a picture of his dad which will be posted soon. Many thanks out to the Perlberg Family and their associates. Katrina, you are amazing!!!! I hope to get more info and history as this projects progresses.
6/25/07 - Did you see that black on the home page? WOW!!! I wish I could buy that(and I wish I could fit in it too!). So, no word from the daughter. ...hummm, oh well, I will write another letter. The spring flower RM/FP dress is up for auction on ebay(it is on the Roger Milot tab) and soon there will be more(but I hate parting with them!) Anyway, the 'Hoops and Crinolines' tab was added and I think as they come in, it will make a nice addition to the site. The 'for real' site is getting there slowly but I will soon have it up and ready!
6/10/07-OK, so this and next week I am putting up some dresses for auction. I have soooo many and my husband has about 2 inches of closet space(tough crap) but he's right, I don't need so many - so check out the 'Dresses for sale' tab and click on what you like and it should take you right to the eBay auction. If it isn't up for auction, please feel free to make an offer. *ALSO - I have been trying to reach out to the owner of Vintageous for copies of her pictures of her sold and for sale Perlbergs. She has some pretty amazing dresses and has yet to reply. Does anyone know this person and can do some magic??? I would hate to not have those dresses included. They are really beautiful!
6/3/07-Wow - I finally sent the letter to Fred Perlbergs daughter in hopes to find any pictures of him and maybe a picture of some of his dresses. I wait for her responce with much excitement and will keep you posted! The book is soon to come!!!
Also, last week (end of May) I received an email (which I can't seem to locate and can't remember who sent it) with Fred Perlbergs obituary. Since I can't post the actual article on line cause I don't have permission yet, I can post the following info:
November 16, 1991 Fred Perlberg, died at 90. He was a retired manufacturer of women's evening dresses in New York, He died of heart failure.
A native of New York City, Fred Perlberg worked in the garment industry from the time he left high school at the age of 16. At 19,(year 1920) he founded Fred Perlberg Originals, known for moderate-priced dance dresses that young women wore to proms and weddings. His clothes were sold in major stores throughout the United States and Canada. He was named Man of the Year by the fashion industry when he retired in 1968.
With his wife, Mr. Perlberg donated an auditorium to the Peninsula General Hospital in Far Rockaway, Queens. His other philanthropies included the United Jewish Appeal, St. John's Hospital in Far Rockaway, the Philips Academy and the Addison Museum of American Art in Andover, Mass.
