Viewing page 28 of 33

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

[[advertisement]]
If you don't want to look like everyone else in mink, buy a mink that doesn't look like everyone else's.

[[image: black and white photo of woman wearing full-length fur cape/coat]]

EMBA(R)
The American Mink
In 12 natural-born colors.
One will make the most of you.

Tourmaline (R), Emba natural mink cape designed by the Brothers Christie.
(R)Registered trademarks Emba Mink Breeders Association.

[[/advertisement]]
[[end page]]
[[start page]]

Continued from page 52
The Europeans have shorter legs and tighter seats. We give our customers  jeans and trousers; we give them corduroy, gaberdine, velveteen, pre-washed denim, drill cloth, tweeds - lots of different fabrics. There are very few really cold days in the metropolitan area, so we stay away from heavy fabrics. Also, we prefer earth colors to shocking pink or flamboyant shades for our pants. Shirts and jackets are very colorful these days -  like our printed patchwork on velveteen jacket - so that the pants should be subdued. All our pants have finished bottoms and are as close a fit to men's pants as a woman will find."

A Happy Legs specialty is the wide variety of belts that come with the company's pants. There are mirror belts, hemp belts, and a turnkey belt, which releases when turned.

As Gene took us on a tour of his Art Deco showroom at 1407 Broadway, we ran into Mrs. Bing Crosby trying on some Happy Legs outfits. "I love them," she said, "and so does Bing." Other entertainers who wear the line include Debbie Reynolds, Betsy Von Furstenberg, Betsy Palmer and Danny Kaye's daughter, Dena.

Happy Legs is run by three men: Gene, Herb Schneiderman and Joel Portnoy. "There are no designers, only pattern people," Gene modestly claims, but one has the feeling that he does a lot of the designing himself.

"We're not a seasonal outfit," Gene says. "We do a new line every Monday." And whenever he does a fashion show, you can be sure it's done with a show biz dazzle.

He has even featured a Stage Struck line with such highly sought items as a Dietrich shirt, Bacall halter, Minnelli tuxedo trouser,  Crawford short sleeve, Goddard wrap, and Hayworth Satin Pant.

"People go to the theatre to be entertained," says Gene. "So do I - but I get a lot of other things out of it - fashion trends, merchandising, showmanship. Fabric people are inspired by Broadway shows, so are department store people for their window displays. The theatre does a hell of a lot for the apparel business."

We asked Gene if he had seen A Chorus Line. "Of course," he replied, "I see everything. I think it's a great show, but you know what? I didn't get a pair of pants or even a vest out of it." 

[[advertisement]]
GORDON (R) OF PHILADELPHIA 

At B. ALTMAN & CO., all stores; and other fine stores...
or write Gordon Sales Associates,
1410 Broadway, New York 10018.

[[image: line drawing of woman wearing floor length plaid skirt, riding jacket, and stock tie blouse]]
GORDON MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
for graceful fall living. The riding blazer in 100% cotton velveteen, tailored to perfection, about $72. The long skirt in 70% wool-30% polyester, belted in suede, about $50. Both fully lined, both in sizes 6-18.

Activair(R) makes the stock tie shirt in 100% polyester crepe. Sizes 8-16, about $25. 
SLIGHTLY HIGHER IN THE WEST

[[/advertisement]]