ABSTRACT
Jumpsuits, basically streamlined spinoffs of the overalls worn by plumbers, carpenters, and garage mechanics, were the hottest garment on the US fashion scene in 1975. Cinnamon Wear, a New York fashion house, filled 10,000 orders for its lower-priced lines between spring and fall of that year; while Saks Fifth Avenue stores nationwide sold thousands in the early fall. The jumpsuit vogue began in Paris in the fall of 1974 and was brought to the United States by models who had attended those fashion shows. The first Parisian designer to produce a high-fashion jumpsuit for the US was Yves Saint Laurent, whose collection included a black acrylic with drawstring waist, a turtleneck number, and one in classic poplin. Kenzo introduced wide-wale corduroy in slate gray accented by banded trouser bottoms which went well with construction boots. Like upwardly mobile work clothes, jumpsuits became fashionable because of their functionality.
