Lena Himmelstein Bryant, Clothing Designer (1877-1951)

Founder of the Lane Bryant clothing chain, which revolutionized women ‘s clothing.  Born in Lithuania, the Jewish-American immigrant pushed newspapers to carry maternity advertising (previously forbidden).  Her marketing strategy, of selling ready-made clothing for plus size and pregnant women, helped free women from rigid, societally imposed strictures.  Lane Bryant Inc. is today a $33 million company.

Sources:
A Jewish Orphan from Lithuania Who Became a Household Name in America.
Lietuvos Zydu (Litvaku) Bendroumene website (English version).  Lithuanian Jewish Community, 2017.  Accessed 27 December 2021.

Lena Himmelstein – Biography.JewAge website.  JewAge.org.  Accessed 27 December 2021.

Lena Bryant Malsin (1879-1951).”  Jewish Virtual Library website.  American Israel Cooperative Enterprise.  Chevy Chase, MD, 2021.  Accessed 27December 2021.

Lena Himmelstein.Wikipedia. Accessed 27 December 2021.