DIGBY MORTON




1906-1983

Digby Morton was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1906. He studied art and architecture in Ireland before moving to London in 1928, where he joined the house of Lachasse. He quickly gained recognition for his suits.

In 1933, he opened his own business. Morton was largely responsible for transforming the severe, tailor-made suit into a fashionable garment. Using delicately shaded tweeds, which he teamed with silk blouses, he added grace and flow to the classic outfit. He took the severityand masculinity out of the tailored suit. He also favoured Aran knits and Donegal tweeds.

During World War II, Digby Morton was a member of the Incorporated Society of London Fashion Designers, a group of leading couturiers which promoted the British fashion industry, and tried to help them through the wartime restrictions. They advised on Utility Clothing which used less fabric.

In 1939, he designed uniforms for the Women's Voluntary Service in the U.K. After the war, Morton created several collections for manufacturers in America.

This grey silk day frock created by Digby Morton, shown on the right, is from the mid-1950's.

Digby Morton closed his house in 1957 and died in 1983 at the age of 77.





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