Black Activism in Maryland
Maryland Center for History and Culture
Free
World War II brought Frederick, Maryland-born fashion designer Claire McCardell to a turning point in her career. Already established in the fashion industry but not quite a household name, McCardell was commissioned to design uniforms for the Office of Civil Defense Corps. Using non-rationed materials such as weather balloon cottons, aprons, and mattress ticking, McCardell embraced the opportunity for uniqueness, ultimately leading to the embedded American Look for women.