LOOKBOOK 2020
ABOUT PAGANNE BY GENE BERK
Brands do take time off and come back stronger. GENE BERK Re-Releases His 1970 Vintage Prints Collection.
Gene Berk began his fashion carrier as a menswear merchandiser. By the early 60s, he was designing sportswear for Oleg Cassini, both in America and Italy. He designed for Cole of California and even worked in a few movies. In 1965, Paganne appeared for the first time on the market. Designer Gene Berk created a brand that was known for it’s unique prints in combination with easy care fabrics, making the garment favored by women. Paganne was stocked in virtually all major department stores in the U.S., like Lord & Taylor, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, etc… The popularity of his printed jersey dresses skyrocketed when young consumers discovered how lightweight they were, and that they were also wrinkle-free. Dozens of Paganne outfits could be packed into a single bag for travel. Gene Berks clothing was lined, shaped and caressed the body and moved with it, was easy to maintain, and could be worn from pool-side lunches to fashionable parties. Gene Berk had a wild line of engineered print-centric fashions that were well-known and well-loved in the 60s and 70s. The dresses and 2 piece ensembles were cutting edge psychedelic in the vein of Emilio Pucci, Diana Von Furstenberg, Leonard, Roberta di Camerino, and, in a way, Lilly Pulitzer. Though not trained as an artist all Gene Berk’s prints began as a small sketches that he drew on a pad in his workroom. Those sketches were then sent by air mail to artist in Como, Italy, where they were translated into life sized printings, then into screens, then into samples swatches of fabric. Each step was sent to NY for approval by Berk before going on the next. When the rolls of finished fabric arrived in NY, Berk’s imagination would go to work. Yard of fabric would be unrolled onto a work tale and he would then conjure up various ways to use the print in several garments. His sketches inspired the fabric, then the fabric inspired the clothes. Paganne is worn and was designed for girls and women who had to live a life of privilege but with that privilege came boundaries and rules and they needed a little rebellion. A Gene Berk’s dresses was completely acceptable in any circle - their vivid prints seemed to offset their underlying sexiness. The fabrics, when worn over bare skin, are sensual and yet they have enough substance as not be so apparently sexy that your jet set mommy dearest would send you to your room to change. Most of the patterns have his signature hidden somewhere within them, and the dresses were finished with a customized hem lace bearing her name.The bare stomach and flashes of leg seem fine when combined with the beautiful prints. It's sex, but its packaged rich girl sex that no one can fault you for. This is a costly and labor intensive process, which is why you don't see it very often. The fabric has to be laid out and cut precisely to fit the design of the dress, and there's a fair amount of waste, which is why these pieces are not very common and were expensive. In 1967, Gene Berk sold his Paganne company to the Pintogs for $15 million and was operated as a wholly owned subsidiary. In 1977 the Paganne was on top of the success and popularity. But because of the depression in 1979 the brand stopped the operation. In 2019 Paganne was reborn. Gene Berk and Artak Badalyan re-created Paganne, inspired by the spirit of the 70’s, while adding a 21st century flare Dresses from Paganne by Gene Berk were and will be highly collectible. The sketches created by the Gene Berk, the materials, the workings and a special talent with prints are what make Paganne unique and unrepeatable.
Absolutely incredible gown! Stretch poly with iconic print featuring Ancient Egyptian figures, a Pharaoh, geometric representations of Hieroglyphs, and mid century geometric designs. Classic early 70s shape with empire waist with waistband, long skirt, and long sleeves.
1960s Paganne Red and Black Racehorse Equestrian Print Maxi Dress Paganne does it again with this playful black and red racehorse print knit dress! The dress is maxi length, with an A - line skirt, long sleeves, a jewel neckline, and a fitted bodice. The bodice is primarily red, with black shoulders and arms, and a fun jockey’s cap border on the cuffs and at the bust line. The skirt depicts various racehorses and their jockeys trotting and galloping through a scene. Waist is accented by a long black belt with fringe. Slit on left leg adds a bit of drama.
60s Rare Paganne Signed Dress / Vintage 1960s 1970s Rare Gene Berk Paganne Designer Black n White Art Deco Lady Bell Sleeve Maxi Dress Super rare vintage ‘60s Paganne signed dress. Made of a soft & slinky jersey type fabric. Art Deco lady with striped dots/floral print.
Bold 1960s - does - 1920s Art Deco print dress by Paganne! The dress falls below the knee, has long sleeves, and a jewel neckline. The dress has a loose sheath silhouette, with an A - line skirt and a more fitted bodice. The print is primarily purple, with splashes of light and dark green, as well as white. The piece features an amazing print of fashionable, flapper - type women strolling and posing. The print is very much Erte and Lepape, with strong shapes and stylized forms.
Vintage Paganne Gene Berk Signed Asian Themed 1970s Incredible vintage 70s PAGANNE by GENE BERK Asian themed jersey maxi dress! Wonderful prints of black trees with a beautiful skyline. Cage detail above the bust add even more detail! Sexy slit up the side reveals just the right amount of skin. Hidden zipper up the back with hook-and-eye closure. Super soft and comfortable nylon jersey feels amazing against the skin.
Known for their iconic prints , this maxi dress shows a cityscape with skyscrapers, fluffy clouds and the flock of birds among the trees. Could this by New York - Central Park?
1973 Paganne Gene Berk Design Tropical Print Dress
Feel like the queen of the dance floor and stage in a truly royal dress by Paganne 60x floral print for true connoisseurs of vintage fabrics. Balanced colors and authoring graphics make any lady irresistible.
A vintage Pagane print for true connoisseurs of classics. Eclectic author’s graphics are realized on the fabric and create the impression of a truly antique fabric. Intricate drawing turns any woman into a queen of a party in the style of the 20s.
The numbers speak for themselves. Investing in a sought after brand.