Isn't this the perfect summer dress? Not surprising, since it was designed by one of the best known California-based labels, Pat Premo. Premo, who was born and raised in California, started her design career at Peggy Hunt in the 1930s. After moving to Marjorie Montgomery, she married the owner, Bill Schminke. He then gave his wife her own label, and the Pat Premo line of daywear was born.The Premo label was well known for casual sportswear and dresses that used fabrics and trims in a unique way. The dress above, from 1955, uses a large scale plaid cotton. The bodice is cut on the bias with a V at the waist that follows the lines of the plaid. The skirt is gathered onto that V waistline in a very flattering manner, and the gathers of the shoulder straps pull the whole dress together. As always, click the photo to see a larger view.
