INCORPORATED SOCIETY OF LONDON FASHION DESIGNERS

This was an organization founded in 1942 by Britishcouturedesigners and then-editor-in-chief ofBritish Vogue, Audrey Withers. Initially the goal was to attract buyers, press, and clients and it was modeled after the ParisianChambre Syndicale, but the group became an important vehicle during World War II to boost morale—especially when asked to create smart utility clothing designs, as a result of theBritish Civilian Clothing Order CC41, which rationed cloth, fancytrims, and unnecessary buttons, pleats, and pockets unless they were necessary and functional. The thirty-four designs were also used to raise money from their sales to clients and stores in the Americas. One of the most popular suits selected was known in America as the victory suit. Among the most notable members wereNorman Hartnell,Molyneux, andHardy Amies.SeeGOVERNMENT UTILITY SCHEME.