Jo Copeland, Fashion Designer for America's Women

Visionary American fashion designer, Jo Copeland, is best remembered for her two-piece suits, worn without a blouse, which made them suitable for both day and evening wear. 

As with many of the more accomplished designers, Copeland sculpted and draped her expertly crafted garments on the figure rather than sketching the design first.

Born in New York City in 1899, Miss Copeland graduated from the Parsons School of Design and Art Students League. Prior to World War II, Copeland traveled widely in Europe and attended Paris' couture openings. After 1947, Copeland advocated for the American fashion industry's independence from French fashions.

Throughout most of her fifty year career, Copeland was associated with Pattullo-Jo Copeland Inc. She became a partner in the company in 1938 where she remained until they closed in 1970.

Sunny Harnett in Silk Shantung Dress by Pattullo-Jo Copeland for Bonwit Teller in Vogue November 15, 1951
Sunny Harnett in Silk Shantung Dress by Pattullo-Jo Copeland
for Bonwit Teller in Vogue November 15, 1951

Jo Copeland of Pattullo White Organdy Tiered Dance Dress Harper's Bazaar January, 1954
Jo Copeland of Pattullo White Organdy Tiered Dance Dress
Harper's Bazaar January, 1954



Suzy Parker Modeling a Jo Copeland_Evening Gown for  Neiman-Marcus' Pattullo Collection Erwin Blumenfeld Photo for Harper's Bazaar October 1952
Suzy Parker Modeling a Jo Copeland Evening Gown for
Neiman-Marcus' Pattullo Collection
Erwin Blumenfeld Photo for Harper's Bazaar October 1952

Model in mocha silk organza dress with rhinestone buttons and white  organza lined ruffled sleeves by Jo Copeland. Photo by Richard Avedon,  Harper's Bazaar, April 1951
Model in mocha silk organza dress with rhinestone buttons and white
organza lined ruffled sleeves by Jo Copeland. Photo by Richard Avedon,
Harper's Bazaar, April 1951

Anne St. Marie in full-skirted tiered cocktail dress by Jo Copeland of Patullo,  black suede pump inlaid with crystals from Delman Pavé Collection,  Harper's Bazaar, September 1959 Harzfeld's Ad
Anne St. Marie in full-skirted tiered cocktail dress by Jo Copeland of Pattullo,
 black suede pump inlaid with crystals from Delman Pavé Collection,
Harper's Bazaar, September 1959 Harzfeld's Ad

Betsy Pickering in silk faille dress with white piqué accent by Jo Copeland, Photo by Gleb Derujinsky, Harper's Bazaar, February 1959
Betsy Pickering in silk faille dress with white piqué accent by Jo Copeland,
Photo by Gleb Derujinsky, Harper's Bazaar, February 1959

Evelyn Tripp in mushroom-colored corduroy suit with raccoon collar  worn with amber floral-print satin blouse by Jo Copeland of Patullo.  Jewelry by Verdura,. Photo by Karen Radkai, Vogue, October 15, 1958
Evelyn Tripp in mushroom-colored corduroy suit with raccoon collar
worn with amber floral-print satin blouse by Jo Copeland of Pattullo.
Jewelry by Verdura. Photo by Karen Radkai, Vogue, October 15, 1958

Jean Patchett in Pattullo-Jo Copeland Dinner Sheath of New Crepe for Avisco Rayon 1951 Advertisement
Jean Patchett in Pattullo-Jo Copeland Dinner Sheath of New
Crepe for Avisco Rayon 1951 Advertisement

Dovima in Pattullo-Jo Copeland Sleeveless Sheath of Swiss Faille The Wm. H. Block Co. of Indianapolis Fall 1950 Collection
Dovima in Pattullo-Jo Copeland Sleeveless Sheath of Swiss Faille
The Wm. H. Block Co. of Indianapolis Fall 1950 Collection

Pattullo-Jo Copeland Dark Gray Flannel Suit With Ruby Velvet Collar The Lean Gray Line for Bonwit Teller
Pattullo-Jo Copeland Inc Dark Gray Flannel Suit With Ruby Velvet Collar
The Lean Gray Line for Bonwit Teller

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