Hattie Carnegie

Date of Birth: March 15, 1886

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: February 22, 1956

Biography

Hattie Carnegie was a pioneering businesswoman and fashion entrepreneur, known for her significant contributions to American fashion in the early to mid-20th century. Born Henrietta Kanengeiser in Vienna, Austria, she emigrated with her family to New York City in the late 19th century. Carnegie’s rise in the fashion world began when she opened her own hat shop in 1909, which quickly expanded into a full-fledged fashion house. She became renowned for her elegant designs, which included both ready-to-wear and custom-made clothing, as well as accessories. Hattie Carnegie’s brand was synonymous with luxury, sophistication, and timeless style, making her a favorite among celebrities and socialites. Throughout her career, she mentored and launched the careers of several notable designers, including Norman Norell and Pauline Trigère. Carnegie’s influence on American fashion remained strong until her death in 1956, and her legacy continues to inspire designers today.

5 Interesting Facts about Hattie Carnegie

1. Hattie Carnegie was awarded the Neiman Marcus Fashion Award in 1939 for her contributions to the fashion industry.

2. She was one of the first American designers to incorporate a European influence into her designs, blending Parisian chic with American practicality.

3. Carnegie’s fashion house was known for providing a one-stop shopping experience, offering everything from clothing and accessories to cosmetic products.

4. She was instrumental in introducing costume jewelry as a fashionable accessory, making high fashion more accessible to the average woman.

5. Hattie Carnegie’s designs were worn by some of the most prominent women of her time, including Joan Crawford, the Duchess of Windsor, and the First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Hattie Carnegie

1. “Elegance is not standing out, but being remembered.”

2. “Don’t try to imitate what the men are wearing; be feminine and beautiful instead.”

3. “Fashion is a way of life, a statement of self.”

4. “A woman should look as if she had just stepped out of a Paris salon.”

5. “Style is the way we speak without words.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of her career, Hattie Carnegie’s net worth was estimated to be around $6 million, a considerable fortune at the time, equivalent to over $50 million today when adjusted for inflation.