NARDUCCI FASHION ARCHIVE
2015 - 2025
Providence, RI | New York, NY
The Narducci fashion archive offers a glimpse into the fashion world told through the life and career of designer Leo Narducci (1932 - 2023). It illuminates Seventh Avenue's sportswear evolution, New York's garment industry history, and the rise of the Young American designers within the 1960s and 1970s.
Why
Leo Narducci’s intention to create affordable fashion for all shapes and economic backgrounds portrays the power of conviction, creativity, and longevity by a significant designer in fashion history. His archive maps a constellation of untold stories recognizing the many voices who ushered in change and inspired generations.
Who
In addition to working with Narducci, I have compiled a comprehensive oral history of recorded interviews incorporating perspectives from fashion designers, illustrators, stylists, historians, museum curators, journalists, and former editors of Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, and Mademoiselle Magazine.
How
The book project, Design According to Leo Narducci, will accompany an exhibition showcasing garments, ephemera and several portfolios never before exhibited.
"What stands out
about the designers of the 1965 Coty Fashion Awards is one word – Invention. They tuned into the mood of the country . . . the most wonderful was Leo. When you walked into a room wearing a Leo Narducci, heads turned and you would be asked, 'Who are you wearing?' He remains tuned into the times, now as he was then, forever capturing the moment."
- RACHEL 'RAY' CRESPIN, FASHION EDITOR,
Harper's Bazaar | Vogue | Esquire
As a designer
my focus wasn’t necessarily related to age or income, it was about capturing a youthful feeling. My intuition about fashion has always been my key.
I was interested in dressing every woman, not only a select few . . . . wealth didn’t determine access to good designer clothes. Income shouldn't limit a woman from a well-made closet." - LEO NARDUCCI
Design According to Leo Narducci is a book project and exhibition featuring interviews from the fashion world, includingeditorial and private archival materials.
BOOK PROJECT
Design According to Leo Narducci is a book project and exhibition featuring editorial and private archival materials.