Florence Eiseman American, 1899–1988

Functional Fashions Dress 1963
Cotton poplin and appliqué
Eiseman Company LLC Archives
The A-line shapes and high-quality fabrics that characterize the childrenswear designs of Milwaukee-native Florence Eiseman made her a natural Functional Fashions ally. Large, simple shoulder buttons on this dress, for example, allow it to easily slip on and off. Polio, and its disabling effects, was on the rise, and since rehabilitation treatments considered dressing oneself a sign of normal development, parents hoped the playful designs would encourage their children to practice this task.