Elizabeth Parke Firestone

Elizabeth Parke, daughter of a prosperous Decatur, Illinois, businessman, and Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., son of the founder of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, met at a dance at Princeton around 1920. Their 1921 wedding was the most lavish Decatur had ever seen. Elizabeth -- who would become well-known for a refined sense of fashion -- likely made her own wedding dress.

Elizabeth Parke Firestone, wife of tire magnate Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., cultivated a refined sense of fashion through years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers. Firestone favored New York and Paris design houses, like Christian Dior, to meet her high fashion standards. During the 1950s she was named one of the "Best Dressed Women in the World."

Elizabeth Parke Firestone, wife of tire magnate Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., cultivated a refined sense of fashion. Her fashion choices not only reflected her years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers, but also highlighted her family's social standing. Firestone wore this jacketed dress -- by American designer Carrie Munn -- to her 25th wedding anniversary celebration at New York's Ritz Hotel.

Elizabeth Parke, the daughter of a prosperous Decatur, Illinois, businessman, was known for her meticulous attention to fashion detail. Family notebooks include costume sketches in her hand, and relatives remember Elizabeth designing and sewing many of her own fashions. It is likely that she made this dress for her 1921 wedding to Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., son of the founder of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company.

Elizabeth Parke, the daughter of a prosperous Decatur, Illinois, businessman, was an adventurous young women who had studied in Europe. She married Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., in 1921, and continued to travel frequently for both business and pleasure. Elizabeth enjoyed trekking through jungles and sleeping in grass huts in exotic locales as much as she relished dining in sumptuous hotels with royalty.

Elizabeth Parke Firestone's refined sense of fashion reflected years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers. Firestone requested this custom gown from the Paris design house of Christian Dior for the November 5, 1955, Vienna Opera House reopening. Later that month, Firestone--wearing the blue-grey ball gown with metallic embroidery and iridescent rhinestones--was featured in LIFE magazine.

Elizabeth Parke Firestone, wife of tire magnate Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., cultivated a refined sense of fashion through years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers. This dress may have been created by Bob Bugnand. Firestone began purchasing clothing from this French designer in the 1950s, and would continue to do so into the 1970s.

Elizabeth Parke Firestone, wife of tire magnate Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., cultivated a refined sense of fashion through years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers. Paris designer Christian Dior created a design drawing of this dress in red--a favorite color choice in his clothing line. Firestone preferred blue.

Elizabeth Parke Firestone, wife of tire magnate Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., cultivated a refined sense of fashion through years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers. Firestone favored New York and Paris design houses -- like that of Cristobal Balenciaga, who made this suit -- to meet her high fashion standards.

Elizabeth Parke, daughter of a prosperous Decatur, Illinois, businessman, and Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., son of the founder of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, married in June 1921. Twenty-five years later, the couple celebrated their wedding anniversary at New York's Ritz Hotel. Mrs. Firestone, well known for her refined sense of fashion, wore a sequined and beaded gown by American designer Carrie Munn.

Peggy Hoyt dressed a small but exclusive clientele at her New York City salon for nearly 20 years. Before designing each garment, Hoyt discussed color, style and fabric with clients. Hoyt created this dress for Elizabeth Parke Firestone, wife of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company heir. Hoyt's signature pastels, handkerchief hem, and rhinestone ornaments are seen in Mrs. Firestone's gown.

Fashion designer Peggy Hoyt established Peggy Hoyt, Inc., in New York City in 1915. As her business grew, Hoyt took over the Philip Rhinelander mansion on East 55th Street. The mansion, with more than 27,000 square feet, a marble hall and carved stairway, became a highly regarded fashion center. Hoyt dressed a small but exclusive clientele at this stately salon for nearly 20 years.

Elizabeth Parke Firestone, wife of tire magnate Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., cultivated a refined sense of fashion through years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers. Correspondence with the Paris design house of Christian Dior reveals Firestone's strong opinions about color and material, awareness of what suited her figure, and desire for a distinctive wardrobe.

Elizabeth Parke Firestone's refined sense of fashion reflected years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers. For the 1955 Vienna Opera House reopening, Firestone requested a custom gown from the design house of Christian Dior. The finished product was indeed "something extra special." Firestone's blue-grey ball gown with metallic embroidery and iridescent rhinestones was featured in Paris newspapers and LIFE magazine.

Elizabeth Parke Firestone, wife of tire magnate Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., cultivated a refined sense of fashion through years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers. During the 1950s Firestone was named one of the "Best Dressed Women in the World." Her wardrobe included clothing and accessories by well-known Paris designers like Jean Patou, who made this hat.

Elizabeth Parke Firestone, wife of tire magnate Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., cultivated a refined sense of fashion through years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers. Her attention to detail even influenced her selection of fashion accessories. Firestone purchased this pair of made-to-order gloves from John-Frederics -- one of the 20th century's foremost millinery firms.

Elizabeth Parke Firestone's refined sense of fashion reflected years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers. Firestone dressed impeccably from head to toe, accessorizing her designer ensembles with carefully selected hats, gloves, handbags, and footwear. Firestone's wardrobe included shoes of favored styles in many custom-dyed colors, to ensure a perfect match.

Elizabeth Parke Firestone, wife of tire magnate Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., cultivated a refined sense of fashion through years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers. In 1949, she posed for celebrated Vogue fashion photographer Cecil Beaton. Firestone, who favored blue, wore this pale gown designed by Sophie Gimbel for Salon Moderne of Saks Fifth Avenue.

Elizabeth Parke Firestone's refined sense of fashion reflected years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers. Firestone dressed impeccably from head to toe, accessorizing her designer ensembles with carefully selected hats, gloves, handbags, and footwear. Firestone's wardrobe included shoes of favored styles in many custom-dyed colors, to ensure a perfect match.

Elizabeth Parke Firestone, wife of tire magnate Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., cultivated a refined sense of fashion through years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers. Firestone, who favored blue, frequented several well-known Paris design houses. This navy suit was designed by Cristobal Balenciaga.

Peggy Hoyt (1893-1937) began her fashion career at age 17, as an apprentice in a New York City millinery shop. She established Peggy Hoyt, Inc., in 1915 and soon became one of America's foremost fashion designers. This hat of Hoyt's design was worn by Elizabeth Parke Firestone, wife of tire magnate Harvey S. Firestone, Jr.

Elizabeth Parke Firestone, wife of tire magnate Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., cultivated a refined sense of fashion through years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers. Firestone was sent a photograph of a Balenciaga mannequin wearing a designer's sample of this classic day dress. She then requested her own made-to-order version.

Elizabeth Parke Firestone's refined sense of fashion reflected years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers. Firestone dressed impeccably from head to toe, accessorizing her designer ensembles with carefully selected hats, gloves, handbags, and footwear. She would have worn these low heeled, sturdy pumps during the summer for more casual day wear or travel.

Elizabeth Parke Firestone, wife of tire magnate Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., cultivated a refined sense of fashion through years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers. Firestone favored blues and preferred pinks and fuchsias over true reds. She purchased this pale blue gown with heavy embroidery and a fuchsia sash from the well-known Paris design house of Cristobal Balenciaga.

Elizabeth Parke Firestone, wife of tire magnate Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., cultivated a refined sense of fashion through years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers. Firestone, who favored blue, frequented several well-known Paris design houses. This navy plaid dress was designed by Cristobal Balenciaga.

Elizabeth Parke Firestone, wife of tire magnate Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., cultivated a refined sense of fashion through years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers. Firestone favored both Paris and New York fashion centers. She paired this wine-colored evening dress, created by Paris designer Jean Patou, with a gold lame under dress purchased at New York's Bergdorf-Goodman.

Elizabeth Parke Firestone, wife of tire magnate Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., cultivated a refined sense of fashion through years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers. Firestone purchased a number of dresses from Saks Fifth Avenue's Salon Moderne, an exclusive boutique headed by designer Sophie Gimbel. Gimbel created stylish made-to-measure gowns for fashion-conscious American women of means.

Elizabeth Parke Firestone, wife of tire magnate Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., cultivated a refined sense of fashion through years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers. Firestone began purchasing dresses from French designer Bob Bugnand in the 1950s. This unlabeled dress was probably one of his creations. Firestone was known to refer to it as "Bob's carnation dress."

Elizabeth Parke Firestone, wife of tire magnate Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., cultivated a refined sense of fashion through years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers. Firestone, who favored blues and pinks, frequented several well-known Paris design houses. This gown made of navy chiffon over salmon-pink satin was designed by Cristobal Balenciaga.

Elizabeth Parke Firestone, wife of tire magnate Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., cultivated a refined sense of fashion through years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers. Firestone purchased a number of dresses from Saks Fifth Avenue's Salon Moderne, an exclusive boutique headed by designer Sophie Gimbel. Gimbel created stylish made-to-measure gowns for fashion-conscious American women of means.

Elizabeth Parke Firestone, wife of tire magnate Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., cultivated a refined sense of fashion through years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers. Firestone favored New York and Paris fashion centers to meet her high standard. This dress, though it does not carry his label, is possibly a Christian Dior design from his 1952 Spring Collection.

Elizabeth Parke Firestone, wife of tire magnate Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., cultivated a refined sense of fashion through years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers. Paris designer Christian Dior used a great deal of red in his clothing line. Firestone favored pinks and fuchsias over true reds making this dress an unusual choice for her.

Elizabeth Parke Firestone's refined sense of fashion reflected years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers. She dressed impeccably from head to toe, carefully coordinating hats, gloves, handbags, and shoes with her designer ensembles. Before purchasing new accessories, Firestone could reference swatches such as these to make her selections.

Elizabeth Parke Firestone, wife of tire magnate Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., cultivated a refined sense of fashion through years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers. Paris designer Christian Dior presented her this design drawing of a dress in red-- a favorite color choice in his clothing line. Firestone, who preferred blue, requested the dress in a deep midnight shade.

Elizabeth Parke Firestone, wife of tire magnate Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., cultivated a refined sense of fashion through years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers. Firestone favored New York and Paris design houses to meet her high fashion standards. She often reviewed design proposals to select the styles and fabrics she wished her garments made in.

Elizabeth Parke Firestone, wife of tire magnate Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., cultivated a refined sense of fashion through years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers. Firestone favored New York and Paris fashion centers to meet her high standards. This custom dress proposal was made for her by the Paris design house of Cristobal Balenciaga.

Elizabeth Parke Firestone, wife of tire magnate Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., cultivated a refined sense of fashion through years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers. Bob Bugnand, a French designer who operated a couture salon in New York City, met many of Firestone's design needs for the meticulously tailored clothing of the period.

Elizabeth Parke Firestone, wife of tire magnate Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., cultivated a refined sense of fashion through years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers. In 1949, Firestone posed for celebrated Vogue fashion photographer Cecil Beaton. She wore an ice blue evening gown designed by Sophie Gimbel for Salon Moderne of Saks Fifth Avenue.