A pioneer of American sportswear, Oakland, California native Bonnie Cashin is beloved for her intellectual and independent approach to fashion. She often worked with organic materials such as leather and mohair, along with tweed, cashmere and wool jersey. The designer, who died in 2000, is credited with initiating the use of industrial hardware on clothing and accessories (she added the famed brass toggle into her handbag designs for Coach in the 1960s) and helped make ponchos, tunics and kimonos popular in the mainstream. In addition, it is Cashin who is thought to have introduced the concept of layering in fashion .
Pictured above is a 1960s green apple boucle wool coat. Visit 1stdibs for more information.
Tags: Bonnie Cashin, vintage fashion