This collection comprises the personal and professional papers of Irene Saltern Salinger, a Hollywood fashion designer in the late 1930s to early 1940s, originator of coordinated women's sportswear separates in the 1950s, and fashion designer into the late 1970s. Her papers include pencil and watercolor costume sketches for Hollywood film productions and her commercial work, photographs, fashion plates, scrapbooks, personal and professional correspondence, fabric swatches, fashion line summaries and photographs, research materials, as well as sales and advertisement materials from circa 1950 to 1980. The collection also includes European fashion plates collected by Salinger, showcasing popular clothing for upper-class men, women, and children from the mid- to late- nineteenth century.

Irene Saltern Salinger was a Hollywood fashion designer from 1937 until 1943 and a commercial fashion designer from 1943 until 1979. Born Irene Stern in Germany on January 30, 1911, Salinger grew up in Berlin. She had a privileged childhood and often spent time with her then next-door neighbor, Albert Einstein. After high school, Salinger attended fashion design school in Berlin. After graduating and marrying Harry Salinger, she worked as a fashion journalist, giving talks and traveling to fashion shows throughout Europe. While the Salingers were on their honeymoon, Harry lost his job as a judge. Salinger soon accepted an offer from a relative living in California, where she settled and began to pursue a career in costume design.

33.0 Linear feet (64 boxes)

Property rights reside with the University of California. Some materials are in the public domain. For permissions to reproduce or to publish, please contact the Head of Special Collections and Archives.