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 alongside her husband Cosmo Duff-Gordon.

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.