A Perfect Fit: How Lena "Lane" Bryant Changed the Shape of Fashion

 

A Perfect Fit: How Lena "Lane" Bryant Changed the Shape of Fashion by Mara Rockliff and illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal

In the late 1800s Lena Himmelstein lived with her grandparents in Eastern Europe.  They were very poor but Lena didn't mind.  But, Lena did have one dream...she wanted to go to America.  Lena's parents were dead but she had an older sister living in New York City and working in a factory making clothes.  Eventually Lena was able to join her sister in America and at work.  While many immigrant girls didn't like working in factories, Lena loved that she was able to learn how to use a sewing machine.  Lena became very good at making her clothes and started her own business.  She became known as the seamstress who made clothes that fit all body types, not just the "perfect" model thin bodies.  Even though she became very successful, she never forgot what her grandfather in Eastern Europe had taught her, "Any work that helps another human being has dignity.  The only real success comes from filling a human need."  Whenever she learned of people in need of clothes due to natural disasters or war she would send clothes where they were most needed. Lena's company was also one of the first companies in the country to take care of it's employees by offering health insurance and retirement pensions.  So, why do I like this book?  Well, to begin with, I really love books by Mara Rockliff and books by Juana Martinez-Neal.  But, I think the reason I enjoy this story so much is because my grandfather was an immigrant from Europe who was a tailor.  I guess I'm just meant to love this book.  To learn more about the immigrant experience visit Ellis Island or The Tenement Museum.  To find more great book by Mara Rockliff and Juana Martinez-Neal then please visit their websites.