Date of Birth: March 15, 1886
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Date of Death: February 22, 1956
Biography
Hattie Carnegie was a pioneering American fashion entrepreneur who became a significant figure in the fashion industry during the early to mid-20th century. Born as Henrietta Kanengeiser in Vienna, Austria-Hungary, she immigrated to the United States with her family at a young age. Carnegie started her career working in a millinery shop and soon opened her own business, which quickly expanded to include clothing and jewelry. Known for her impeccable taste, she was instrumental in introducing American women to European fashion trends. Her business acumen and eye for design helped her build a fashion empire that included ready-to-wear collections, custom clothing, and accessories. Carnegie’s influence extended to mentoring young designers, including Norman Norell and Jean Louis, who went on to have successful careers of their own.
5 Interesting Facts about Hattie Carnegie
1. Hattie Carnegie’s original surname was Kanengeiser, but she changed it to Carnegie to associate herself with the wealth and success of industrialist Andrew Carnegie.
2. She was one of the first American designers to introduce French haute couture to the United States, bringing styles from Paris to New York.
3. Carnegie never married and had no children, dedicating her life to her business and fashion.
4. She was awarded the Neiman Marcus Fashion Award in 1939, recognizing her significant contributions to the fashion industry.
5. During World War II, Carnegie’s designs were known for their practicality and elegance, balancing style with the rationing of materials.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Hattie Carnegie
1. “You can be anybody you want to be; you can do anything you want to do if you believe in yourself.”
2. “Elegance is not a matter of money, but of personality.”
3. “Fashion should be about making people feel good about themselves.”
4. “I think the secret to a successful business is passion and hard work.”
5. “A woman’s first job is to choose the right clothes for herself.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of her career, Hattie Carnegie’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Hattie Carnegie never had any children. She dedicated her life to her business and mentoring young designers.
Relevant Links
1. [Hattie Carnegie Biography – Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hattie-Carnegie
3. [Hattie Carnegie – Jewish Women’s Archive](https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/carnegie-hattie
