(1912-1954)
Grouped with Pierre Balmain and Christian Dior as one of the top three designers in Paris during the 1950s, French-born Fath began his company in 1937. It was this same year he designed his famous "pencil skirt." He understood the aligning of fantasy and drama with the marketing of clothing. He had a loyal following in Hollywood and designed for both stores and movie stars alike. Fath patented the "basket bustier" and incorporated them for support in his designs with plunging necklines. Fath died at the age of forty-two and his business closed shortly after, though his perfume label continued until 1992. It was shortly after that the house reopened with Tom Van Lingin as head of design.
See also Haute Couture.
Historical Dictionary of the Fashion Industry. Francesca Sterlacci and Joanne Arbuckle.