it outgrew its available space. Thanks to the high quality and well paying clients, notoriety of its models, and fame through art, it had a long run as a fashion house. It was decided to say goodbye to the original buildings and build a new fashion house on the existing …

… high fashion as it was worn in real life and on real women. (“Reading in the Park” by Israelis)

…and went on to work throughout “haute couture” in the world of high fashion in Amsterdam and Paris.  His ability to show the real world of fashion, rather than the glamor, gained him notoriety.  A favorite was to depict the seamstresses and women behind the scenes as well as their …

…the famous twin sister models (Helena and Geertruida Wehmann) of the Fashion House Hirsch in Amsterdam.  He was a Dutch artist who was introduced to the fashion world and the girls by his friend Therese Schwartze who was a portrait painter. (Portrait: Israeli’s most famous 1916 portrait of Ippy and …

.. acted in a minor role in a 1920 film.  They faded from view in the new fashion era of the “Roaring 20’s”. Both married and moved to live near each other in Amsterdam until Ippy died of a stroke in 1964.  Gertie died in 1975. (One of the twins …

… were wildly famous, and  worked with artists and photographers for the Design House as well as for fun and extra money. While working for Lucile in Paris, Gertie got engaged to a French count, but he was killed at the beginning of the World War I.   The twins decided …

…for Hirsch & Cie Design House in Brussels.  Twins, they were born in 1895, but at the age of sixteen, they were sent to London by their parents to broaden their education and to learn English. The girls’ modeling talent was discovered when they went to work for Maison Lucile, …

.. mostly had clients from the Royal Court of Belgium.  Although located and focused on Belgium, they won design awards in Brussels, Amsterdam.  In the 1914-1930’s era they employed over 1000 employees. Hirsch & Cie designers’ fame was in gowns, coats, and fur trimmings. (Hirsch & Cie design sketch for …

… alleged spy was executed by a firing squad in Paris. (Photo: Mata Hari in what looks like “Jersey Lily’s” (Lily Langtry, same courtesan and seductress to the English royals) newly invented “jersey” bias wrap, in about 1905 is assumed to be a Hirsch & Cie design, although it does …

… high fashion Dutch designers in Belgium, was an exotic dancer, courtesan (mistress to the Royals), and was alleged by the French to be a spy in World War I. (Photo: Mata Hari in about 1912 in a Hirsch & Cie day ensemble.  Note the use of lace and 3D …