If you were around in the 1960s and early 70s, chances are you were in love with the clothes from John Meyer of Norwich. In my little corner of the world, there were only two shops that carried John Meyer, and both of them were the best stores in town. Not every girl was lucky enough to own clothes from John Meyer, but the influence of the brand was huge, and one could buy cheaper versions of their beautiful heathery tweeds at places like Sears. As they say, imitation is the highest praise.
There is currently an exhibition showcasing John Meyer of Norwich at the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury, Connecticut. Meyer’s daughter Elise’s collection of clothes from the family company along with photos and other items about the company make for a charming display, and a gives a good account of how many girls and young women were actually dressing in the period that is more associated with the mod look and then the hippie look.
You can see a slideshow of the exhibition on Elise’s blog. And look for an interview with her here in the near future.
The first two ads are from 1967; the last one is 1968. All can be enlarged by clicking.
And does anyone recognize the famous model?
The Vintage Traveler 
These sets are too cute for words! I love how they’ve been displayed in those little boxes.
Off to take a look at Elise’s blog. Thanks Lizzie! 🙂
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Yes, I thought the use of shadowboxes was very effective.
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It’s Cheryl Tiegs. Boy, do I remember John Meyer of Norwich clothes. You’re right. They were top of the line aspirational clothes in my town. I owned a beautiful plaid blouse with ruffles down the front placket and wore it for years. Don’t they look “Sally Draper-ish”? Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
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Yes, it is Cheryl Tiegs.
Sally would look great in some of these, and others (that mustard colored dress) look more like Peggy. I usually pretty much like the costuming on Mad Men, but last week I really cringed for poor Sally. That little pre-teen cotton dress was way too juvenile for a girl that is now 13 or 14. She should be wearing that yellow and green set in the middle ad.
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I really love these shadow box style ads. I could see myself happily wearing much of this today–particularly the items in the first ad. Wish I was closer to Connecticut so I could see the exhibit in person!
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I’d love to see it too. The story of American ready-to-wear is an important part of our fashion history.
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I don’t remember the line or people I knew dressing like that. But I was instantly taken back to all those Hayley Mills Disney movies…
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I’m reminded of the Patty Duke Show.
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Oh, Lizzie, I changed careers in the early 60s and needed very conservative clothes. I dressed in Meyer exclusively until I could afford more expensive suits. Actually had two of the outfits in the first picture.
I associated them more with Mary Tyler Moore than Hayley Mills, maybe because I was more Mary’s age.
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I can see Mary in that red with white trim dress.
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How wonderful! I love that top sweater with the white collar. I’m off to go look at the slideshow, thanks for sharing!
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You are welcome.
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Hi Lizzie,
I think I sold an item to Elise, can’t remember exactly what it was.. And I have a Meyer velvet patchwork skirt in my closet that is too beautiful for words, I love it.
Needs a mend or 2, and then will go “on the block”.
Thanks for this great post.
Best,
Juliet
sixcatsfun
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Juliet, that is great. I know that she has formed quite a nice collection.
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I particularly love the cream with the black piping.. xxx
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Oh, I love that one as well!
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I LOVE this post Lizzie! These are the clothes of my youth!
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I can’t decide if I love the dresses or the little boxes more!
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This really brings back good memories. Thanks for letting us know about the exhibit!!
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What a great exhibition to see. I will definitely make the trip to the museum from New Jersey this summer. It will bring back a lot of memories!
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Pingback: Interview With Elise Meyer, John Meyer of Norwich | The Vintage Traveler
Great article.
I just listed a John Meyer leather and pure wool vest on
http://www.vintageweartreasures.etsy.com
Take a peek. Unique vest.
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That is really nice with the leather front and the wool plaid back.
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Here it is early 2014, and I just came across this thread! I too loved John Meyer of Norwich and had forgotten the name until I saw this! That and Villager clothes! Oh my, brings back such memories! I would go into a Villager store (went to school in Boston and loved to shop in the downtown shopping district). I was in Heaven in the Villager shop– wish I could have bought the store out! I still wish the clothes were in style today as I find it hard to like much of anything now- then it was all so feminine- beautiful simple lines, Princess seams, etc. Seems they now call that boho, is that right? To me it is not boho or hippie at ALL- neat clean lines and matching outfits are NOT what hippies wore! Quite the opposite so I think someone who came along much later and did not understand the style renamed it that. In any case, when I shop on Etsy, I can find things like that and it is such a refreshing thing. Thanks for the memories
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Maria Borsa
(1921 – 2015)
NEW HAMPSHIRE – Maria Krasun Borsa passed away peacefully at the Warde Health Center in Windham, NH early on the morning of July 2, 2015. She was 93 years old, born on September 16, 1921, in Poland. She was married in 1942 to her husband, Alojzy, who predeceased her in 1974. Maria lived in Poland during her early years, then in other parts of the world during and after WWII. She was a Polish American Veteran of that war. She finally settled in Norwich, CT, where she and her husband raised 3 children. In 2002 she moved to Pelham, NH where she resided with her son and daughter-in-law until 2012. Maria worked as a highly skilled seamstress for John Meyer of Norwich until her retirement. She loved sewing, knitting, crocheting, and gardening, and spending time with her children and their families. She is survived by her three children: son Andrew and his wife Rita, daughter Elizabeth, and daughter Barbara and her husband Bob. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Maria will be buried in Norwich, CT, beside her beloved husband on Tuesday, July 7th at 11am at St. Joseph Cemetery in Norwich, CT. A celebration of her life will be held in August at the Warde Health Center in Windham, NH. Donations in Maria’s name can be made to Warde Health Center, 21 Searles Road, Windham, NH 03087 To leave a condolence, please visit http://www.labenskifuneralhome.com
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meyer was a huge influence on perry ellis. while ellis was working as a retail buyer for miller and rhoads in richmond, va he spent $1 million annually on meyer’s collections. of course meyer was quite enthralled with perry and eventually hired perry as a merchandiser in new york city. meyer’s death in 1974 saw perry move to vera co. it didn’t take perry long to be discovered as a fashion genius and perry moved on to form his own company in 1978.
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I just happened upon this today. I too worked for John Meyer from August, 1973 to September, 1974. I was a receptionist in the front lobby for half the day and spent the other half in personnel. It didn’t take long before Mr. Kimmel noticed me, 5’9″ and thin and grabbed me to be a fit model for Jones New York, primarily slacks, as I had a long inseam. During my time there, Mr. Meyer passed away. It was very sad. He was such a nice man. Also, while I there, I met Perry Ellis. Not much got passed me being in the front lobby and on the phones! It was my first corporate job and I loved every minute of it!
Laura Winzler Aldrich
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I wore and loved john meyer of norwich clothes My favorite was a green, white and black tweed dress with a matching belted coat . Also wore wool skirts with matching sweaters
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This is a very interesting blog. Thank you. I am looking for John Meyer ads from 1970 – 1973. Do you have pictures of ads from those years?
Again, thank you
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