Lucy, Lady Duff-Gordon

Lucy, Lady Duff-Gordon (born Lucy Christiana Sutherland, 13 June 1863 – 20 April 1935) was a British fashion designer in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She used the professional name Lucile as a designer. Duff-Gordon was a widely known innovator in couture styles and in fashion industry relations.

Lucy, Lady Duff-Gordon 1919

Evening dress, Spring 1913, Lucile (1863–1935) V&A Museum

Duff-Gordon was born in London, and died at 71 in Putney, London, of breast cancer. She also survived the RMS Titanic disaster in April 1912.

Fashion innovations

Using the first professional models, Lucy started the fashion show known as a "mannequin parade". These were the first runway or catwalk-style shows. She launched slit skirts and low necklines. She popularized less restrictive corsets, and simpler lingerie.^[1][2]

Duff-Gordon opened branches of her London house, Lucile Ltd, in Paris, New York City, and Chicago, dressing royal and noble clients, and stage and film personalities.^[3][4]

Books

• Duff-Gordon, Lucy 1932. Discretions and indiscretions. Jarrolds. Her autobiography.