mainbocher is a fashion label founded by the american couturier main rousseau bocher ( 1890 – 1976 ) , also known as mainbocher .

established in 1929 , the house of mainbocher successfully operated in paris ( 1929 – 1939 ) and then in new york ( 1940 – 1971 ) .

although often pronounced " man-bo-shay , " the designer 's name is correctly pronounced " maine-bocker . "

mainbocher

mainbocher ' s last paris collections created a storm of controversy . just as later
mainbocher ,
special monograph issue of harper ' s bazaar , july 1967 .
the career of mainbocher discussed ,
in the times , 14 january 1977 .
mainbocher , spring 1958 collection : wool suit with a halter top of lace over shantung .
mainbocher was not much concerned with the ephemeral nature of fashion but with its enduring qualities .
mainbocher also created one of the first strapless ball gowns in the 1930’s . later in the 1950’s , strapless gowns became a common fixture in women’s fashion making mainbocher almost two decades ahead of his time . so yes , we have mainbocher to thank for a lot of trends .
mainbocher : great gentleman of fashion ,
in harper ' s bazaar , june 1971 .
mainbocher died in 1976 at age 85 . his association with chicago never faded , slinkard said .
and established
mainbocher inc .
as a french - american designer of international reputation , mainbocher returned to new york with wide publicity , the first american celebrity in the french fashion world .
mainbocher is really in advance of us all , because he does it in america .
french businessman arnaud de lummen recently purchased the mainbocher trademark , previously never licensed by main bocher .
replica of mainbocher ' s new york city fashion hall of fame plaque . photo : deluxe redux
main rousseau bocher in chicago , illinois , 24 october 1890 ; adopted name mainbocher , circa 1929 .
mainbocher ,
[ obituary ] , in the times ( london ) , 5 january 1977 .
mainbocher , fashion designer for notables since the 1930 ' s , is dead in munich at 85 .
in 1961 , mainbocher business moved to the k . l . m . building on fifth avenue and continued until 1971 when mainbocher , at the age of 81 , closed the doors of his house .
by the way , it’s important to note that mainbocher’s corset premiered 8 - years before dior’s “new look” . if you love dior’s “new look” which i’m sure you do , then you can thank mainbocher for that .
mainbocher put chicago on the fashion map . most of us just didn ' t know it until now .
jacobs , laura ( october 2001 ) , the mark of mainbocher , vanity fair , pp . 87 - 90
mainbocher is really in advance of us all , because he does it in america .
- christian dior
mainbocher .
the columbia encyclopedia , 6th ed . . . retrieved july 09 , 2018 from urltoken urltoken
mainbocher frequently used red for ballgowns . this 1947 dress is fabricated in velvet and trimmed with beads and sequins .
and established his own fashion house , incorporated as
mainbocher couture ,
at 12 avenue george v in paris .
mainbocher . photographer unknown , 1939 ; the metropolitan museum of art , new york , irene lewisohn costume reference library .
with the headline : mainbocher , fashion designer for notables since the 1930 ' s , is dead in munich at 85 .
mainbocher ( left ) shares his sketchbook with staff at the metropolitan museum of art , 1971 . photo : chicago history museum
as a baritone opera singer , mainbocher lost his voice on the night of his big debut which subsequently ended his career .
s , worn with coordinating bare - armed blouses . a mainbocher standby was the little black
nothing
sheath dress .
27 . - 30 . navy uniforms waves uniform , united states naval reserve , 1942 . josephine ogden forrestal , wife of the navy undersecretary asked mainbocher to design the navy uniforms . mainbocher designed the uniforms for $ 1 .  photo : deluxe redux
mainbocher , fashion designer for notables since the 1930 ' s , is dead in munich at 85 . - the new york times
in 1947 , eight of the new york dress institute ' s ten best - dressed women in the world were mainbocher clients .
there were other american couturiers working at the same time as mainbocher , mainly charles james and valentina . but mainbocher was the first american to achieve success as a couturier working in paris in the 1930s . and yes , he was born and raised in chicago .
mainbocher is known for having a deep understanding of his clients which is why his couture creations were highly sought after . to keep up the exclusive nature , prospective buyers made appointments and paid a very high admissions fee . essentially , the mainbocher woman never had to worry about someone having her same dress . mainbocher was certainly not for the masses so even the most expensive department store just wouldn’t do .
mainbocher .
the columbia encyclopedia , 6th ed . . . encyclopedia . com . ( july 9 , 2018 ) . urltoken
mainbocher’s career as a couturier began in paris . he learned about what constitutes “good fashion” from his years working as a fashion artist for
2 . chicago history museum , ( 2016 ) . making mainbocher : the first american couturier [ press release ] . retrieved from urltoken
“ making mainbocher : the first american couturier ” is on view at the chicago history museum from october 22 to august 20 , 2017 .
“by examining the steps taken by mainbocher to achieve great success as a couturier , this exhibition introduces visitors to the extraordinary career of mainbocher and invites them to get to know him as an arbiter of early - to mid - twentieth - century style . ” said petra slinkard , curator of costume . “this exhibition is the first of its kind , dedicated to the study and presentation of the work of mainbocher . ”
f you think you know everything about fashion , you are probably asking yourself why have i never heard of mainbocher ? well for one , mainbocher cannot be found in stores . good luck finding it in neiman marcus or bergdorf goodman . fashion houses like chanel and dior remain household names because the collections continued even after the designer’s deaths . mainbocher also never licensed his name since his clothes were exclusively made to order .
in 2002 , mainbocher was honored with a bronze plaque on new york city ' s fashion walk of fame in the legendary garment district .
the exhibition covers his childhood in chicago , follows mainbocher ' s fashion career in paris and new york and discusses his major fashion contributions .
mainbocher was never formally trained in fashion design , nor did he have an apprenticeship with a designer . he was completely self - taught .
in 1934 mainbocher introduced the boned strapless bodice , and before the war forced him to leave paris , a waist cincher , forming tiny waisted , pleated and skirted dresses that presaged dior ' s postwar new look . mainbocher ' s arrival in new york coincided perfectly with the city
the duchess of windsor ' s wedding gown was blue in color . mainbocher called the color
wallis blue
which matched the color of her eyes . although mainbocher destroyed the dress design almost immediately , the dress went on to become the most copied dress of the 20th century .
mainbocher was assigned to the intelligence corps and much of his work involved trailing members of a drug ring that was supplying narcotics to american fliers .
' s loosely cut , boxy jackets and skirts . the corset that shaped mainbocher ' s last parisian collection was immortalized in 1939 by one of
main rousseau bocher ( october 24 , 1890 - december 27 , 1976 ) , also known as mainbocher . established in 1929 , the house of mainbocher successfully operated in paris ( 1929 - 1939 ) and then in new york ( 1940 - 1971 ) . although often pronounced
man - bo -
mainbocher , it ' s glamour , but with a sense of everyday glamour . . . it ' s so pure , so new .
mainbocher ' s story is not only fascinating , but also inspiring . he carved his path to fashion greatness and in many ways did it first .
christian dior spoke for other fashion geniuses when he said : “mainbocher is really in advance of us all , because he does it in america . ”
learn more about mainbocher below in a chicago history museum video and in a q & a with the museum ' s costume curator , petra slinkard .
an astute businessman , mainbocher had learned the value a full two - page magazine spread when he was a fashion editor and always insisted on it .
mainbocher demanded his designs were shown on double - page spreads so that one could not compare his fashion to another designer within a magazine ' s editorial .
the gallery’s interactive experiences invite visitors to step into a designer role : create a mainbocher - inspired moniker ; flip through sketchbooks featuring fashion illustrations of garments on view ; and use mainbocher’s preferred colors , fabrics , and motifs to design a garment that is projected on a 3 - d dress form in the gallery .
gloria vanderbilt , who recently went into her own dress manufacturing business , credited mainbocher , who used to make her clothes , with influencing her fashion thinking profoundly .
mainbocher ' s corseted waist , defined bosom , and back draping was an abrupt shift in sihouette and introduced the victorian motifs that were to pervade the forties .
mary martin . ( “i’m a mainbocher makeover , ” the actress said . “but , ” qualifies a fashion insider , “she was only chic onstage . ” )
mainbocher produced some of the most expensive clothes in the world—more costly than christian dior . in the 1950 ' s , while dior dresses cost $ 500 - $ 600 , mainbocher ' s dresses were priced between $ 1 , 200 to $ 1 , 300 . some designs were almost as expensive than a rolls royce in 1955 .
american fashion : the life and lines of adrian , mainbocher , mccardell , norell , and trigère / edited by sarah tomerlin lee for the fashion institute of technology .
i think some of mainbocher’s influences are so far - reaching we forget from where they came . for example the beaded cardigan and strapless gown have become fashion staples .
, the
mainbocher corset ,
a nipped - in waist , radically altered the undefined silhouette of the thirties . this change , linked with the fame of his
during the second world war , mainbocher lent his designs to the american navy for the creation of the uniforms for the women only division of the navy , called waves .
first time on public display , 100 - year - old original oil on canvas painting of hawaiian waltz dancers thomas rector and hazel allen by mainbocher . photo : deluxe redux
american fashion : the life and lines of adrian , mainbocher , mccardell , norell , and trigère /  edited by sarah tomerlin lee for the fashion institute of technology .
lee , sarah tomerlin , editor , american fashion : the life and lines of adrian , mainbocher , mccardell , norell , and trigére , new york , 1975 , 1987 .
from the “wallis blue” wedding dress of the duchess of windsor to the crisp nurses uniforms done as a favor to a chicago socialite , mainbocher commanded fashion headlines throughout his six - decade career . the chicago history museum opens its stunning exhibition “making mainbocher : the first american couturier” on october 22 featuring thirty pieces donated by some of chicago’s most fashionable women .
“making mainbocher : the first american couturier” opens at the chicago history museum on october 22 . read more about the exhibit and the additional talks and programs for veterans at urltoken .
a rotund , cherubic man with a thatch of white hair , who almost always wore a v‐neck cashmere sweater under his suit jacket , mainbocher was unpretentious in his speech and attitudes .
he resigned in june 1929 to establish his own couture house with a group of wealthy investors . he took on the name mainbocher , a combination of his first and last names .
an arbiter of fashion , mainbocher created the most luxurious and most expensive garments . frequently inspired by fabrics , he designed with men’s suitings and cotton ginghams as imaginatively as with silks and satins . unlike christian dior , who created a new silhouette each year , mainbocher’s designs fused high fashion with function ; the designs were timeless and easy to wear for many years .
mainbocher also created uniforms for the united states naval reserve waves in navy , white , and seersucker ; the girl scouts ; and nursing students at chicago ' s passavant memorial hospital .
in a retrospective exhibition of fashions in paris last summer , several mainbocher dresses were included in a show called “a century of fashion . ” it was a rare honor for an american .
mainbocher was known for the understated elegance of his couture clothing . among his innovations were short evening dresses , jeweled sweaters , and a revival of the corset that anticipated dior’s new look .
making mainbocher : the first american couturier is at the chicago history museum , 1601 n . clark street , chicago , until august 20 , 2017 . dedicated to the life and legacy of mainbocher , this exhibition is sponsored by the costume council of the chicago history museum and curated by petra slinkard . it features 30 garments , numerous photographs , illustrations , and oral histories .
american couturier , editor , and artist main rousseau bocher left a legacy in the world of international haute couture fusing his first and last name , he and his couture house were known as mainbocher . three generations of new york and european socialites were mainbocher clients . from 1922 - 1971 , he i nnovated women’s fashion , the couture world , and fashion publications . mainbocher is best remembered for designing wallis simpson ’s wedding dress for her controversial marriage to edward , duke of windsor in 1936 . powder blue , named wallis blue by mainbocher , floor length , with long sleeves and draping in the front , buttons lined the torso below the bustline . it was an international sensation . the dress is known as the most reproduced couture dress in fashion history .
by the 1950s and 1960s , old guard mainbocher customers enjoyed wearing impeccably made classic coats and suits of wool , often fur - lined , in the midst of nouveau - riche ostentation . the typical ladylike daytime mainbocher look was accessorized by a plain velvet bow in the hair instead of a hat , a choker of several strands of real pearls , white gloves , and plain pumps with matching handbag . the integrity of luxurious fabrics , intricate cut , quality workmanship and materials , elegance and classicism , were cherished and worn for years by mainbocher ' s upper crust customers .
american fashion : the life and lines of adrian , mainbocher , mccardell , norell , and trigère / edited by sarah tomerlin lee for the fashion institute of technology . - version details - trove
the chicago history museum’s latest exhibit “making mainbocher : the first american couturier” explores the life and legacy of the west garfield park native in great depth and detail . while his name is not as famous as coco chanel or christian dior , this doesn’t mean his contributions aren’t noteworthy . whether it’s the corset or the strapless gown , you can definitely see a bit of mainbocher in your favorite garments .
as a fellow chicagoan , i was excited and proud that the chicago history museum was able to tell mainbocher ' s story for the first time . what a significant contribution to the fashion industry !
the brand has not yet been resurrected , but it is a great question , as the owner of the mainbocher brand [ paris - based entrepreneur arnaud de lummen of luvanis ] will be at the museum on saturday , october 22 , to discuss the pros and cons of resurrecting “sleeping beauty” brands such as mainbocher . the talk begins at 10 : 30 am and is free with museum admission .
as the years progressed , mainbocher continued to design exclusively on a made - to - order basis , refusing to license his name . la galerie , a department in his salon , did produce clothes in standard sizes , a compromise for busy women without time for lengthy fittings . the reverse snobbery of the humble pastel gingham or cotton piqué used for fancy dresses appealed to mainbocher ' s clientéle , as did refined tweed suits with subtle dressmaker touches such as curved bands or fabric appliqués , worn with coordinating bare - armed blouses . a mainbocher standby was the little black
nothing
sheath dress .
too avant - garde . instead , he admired vionnet and borrowed her bias - cut technique for his own simple slip evening dresses in the 1930s . twenty years later , a very similar slip design was employed by mainbocher , produced in a signature elegant silk velvet fabric . from augustabernard , another 1920s french dress designer , mainbocher was inspired not only to form his name , but to use godets in skirts , and shoulder bows to catch the folds of draped bodices . frequent mainbocher suit treatments in the 1930s included short capelet effects or dropped shoulders widening into full sleeves . the designer knew his client
while there is so much to learn about the first american couturier , i’ve compiled a handy - dandy list of five 5 fast facts you should know about couture and mainbocher before you visit the exhibit .
ou can learn more about the fascinating and wonderful mainbocher at the chicago history museum . you’ll learn all kinds of interesting facts during your visit that will give you a newfound appreciation for a chicago icon .
mrs . ronald balcom ( millicent rogers , the standard oil heiress , with a penchant for indian jewelry , folkloric clothing , and historical costumes , combined with mainbocher , schiaparelli , and charles james ) .
a mover and shaker in the fashion world , mainbocher coined the now commonly - used term off - white during his years as editor at french vogue , and created french vogue’s opening editorial eye view , which ran in print 50 years after he left the publication . as a couturier in the 1930s , mainbocher was first to impose a guarantee of purchase for clients who came to view his collection in the showroom . other couturiers followed . mainbocher moved from chicago to new york city , in 1909 , to study art . but his love of opera pushed him on to europe . during the early 1900s , the difficulties of world war i forced him back and forth between the u . s . and europe . he studied art and made connections in munich , paris , london , and new york . mainbocher began designing clothing for his female friends in the u . s . inspired by his success , he showed some designs to captain molyneux , a british courtier , in paris , 1917 . molyneux and he could not settle on a price , but on his way out of the showroom an assistant suggested that mainbocher apply for the fashion illustrator job at the paris outpost of harper’s bazaar . from there , mainbocher’s fashion career skyrocketed .
making mainbocher : the first american couturier
10 / 22 - 8 / 2017 , chicago history museum , 1601 n . clark , 312 - 642 - 4600 , chicagohistory . org , $ 16 .
tens of thousands of school - aged children visit the museum ' s costume exhibit to learn history through fashion . perhaps mainbocher will ignite a dream in one of these young chicagoans ,
added smith .
wearing mainbocher , i think you felt — perfect ,
vanderbilt says in the recording .
you felt like sylph . there was nothing silly about it . there was no fringe . they were all smooth , you know , unctuous fabrics . they were just so elegantly , beautifully made , probably severely elegant . i felt that if you walked into a room wearing a mainbocher , you were a vision .
lite trade in 1940 new york . no less appealing was the fact that mainbocher had designed the duchess of windsor ' s trousseau upon her marriage in 1937 . in 1930 , after several years as editor of french
in addition to uniforms for the girl scouts and the passavant hospital nurses , mainbocher was asked to outfit the waves ( the women’s branch of the united states naval reserve ) during world war ii . with this in mind , the history museum has scheduled two upcoming events honoring mainbocher’s own war service and the uniforms he designed : a uso dance october 24 and a veteran’s day presentation november 11 , free to veterans and their families .
in the course of his 41 - year career in design , mainbocher would be credited with inventing or popularizing the short ( er ) evening dress ( 1931 ) , the strapless dress ( 1934 ) , a cinched - waist silhouette that predated the new look ( 1939 ) , the evening cardigan ( 1941 ) , and the sheath ( 1946 ) . these were worn by clients including diana vreeland , guest , babe paley , and wallis simpson , who donned a custom mainbocher when she married her prince . he was also admired by christian dior and isabella blow , but not by charles james . “mainbocher , ” james railed against his rival in the new york times , “represents a rich , artificial , and purse - proud exclusivity . ” ( ironically , businessman arnaud de lummen is said to have bought the rights to both the mainbocher and charles james brands . )
the chicago history museum explores the life and legacy of an enterprising chicagoan who rose to the heights of the fashion world in its newest costume exhibition , making mainbocher : the first american couturier opening saturday , october 22 .
known for his elegant , understated designs , mainbocher also created uniforms for the united states naval reserve women accepted for volunteer emergency service ( waves ) ; the girl scouts ; and nursing students at chicago’s passavant memorial hospital .
mainbocher , mrs . loyal davis , mrs . leon mandel ( wearing a uniform by the designer ) , mrs . james ward thorne , and mrs . alden b . swift . courtesy of the northwestern memorial hospital archives .
the exhibition is sponsored by the costume council of the chicago history museum with lead corporate sponsor luvanis . for more on making mainbocher and the chicago history museum’s programs and exhibitions , visit urltoken or call 312 - 642 - 4600 .
main rousseau bocher , the fashion designer from chicago who , under the name of mainbocher , was a dominant figure in the paris couture in the 1930 ' s , died in munich monday night . he was 85 years old .
you don ' t have to be a chicagoan or even a fashionista , for that matter , to be interested in how main rousseau bocher morphed into mainbocher . success , especially when it seems so improbable , is always alluring .
mainbocher suddenly decided to channel his artistic sensibilities into the establishment of a couture salon in paris . editorial experience enabled him to sense what would become fashionable and to package himself as an exclusive designer to the wealthy and the titled .
mainbocher was , undoubtedly , a snob , but one who inspired loyalty and devotion among his well - heeled clients . these women found pleasure , utility , comfort , and even value in clothes that were costly , built to last , and trend - free . as vogue put it : “mainbocher sees fashion as simple , easy , unpretentious . it has a low voice . fits in . does not sniff at last season . yet it is completely contemporary . ”
during the early 1920s he worked at the american edition of harper’s bazaar in paris before moving to french vogue as the paris fashion editor , eventually becoming editor - in - chief of french vogue in 1927 . the year 1929 marked his entrance into the world as a couturier . he left french vogue to start his own couture house . his clothing was based on his personal theory of simplicity - luxuriously draped fabrics and eveningwear cut on the bias . his final collection saw the return of the corset and nipped waist , causing controversy . critics of mainbocher said he lacked creativity . but what mainbocher lacked in ornate or over - embellished design , he made up for in his way of working . in an unusual style , he first chose the fabric , twisting and draping it before having it sketched by a friend , then finally actualized . the mainbocher customer was the epitome of high society . his most famous clients included gloria vanderbilt cooper , daisy fellowes , princess maria christina de bourbon , cz guest and barbara paley . the women who wore mainbocher were very loyal , often wearing it exclusively . despite all this , mainbocher came to an end in 1971 , when he retired .
mainbocher considered his contemporary chanel too plebeian , and schiaparelli too avant - garde . instead , he admired vionnet and borrowed her bias - cut technique for his own simple slip evening dresses in the 1930s . twenty years later , a very similar slip design was employed by mainbocher , produced in a signature elegant silk velvet fabric . from augustabernard , another 1920s french dress designer , mainbocher was inspired not only to form his name , but to use godets in skirts , and shoulder bows to catch the folds of draped bodices . frequent mainbocher suit treatments in the 1930s included short capelet effects or dropped shoulders widening into full sleeves . the designer knew his clientéle personally and designed for the lives they led , specializing in evening clothes . for resort wear he ventured into a mix - and - match ensemble consisting of matching top , skirt , bathing suit , and hat . slim , demure black wool dresses for daytime would sport white chiffon interest at the throat .
designer : mainbocher ( american , 1890–1976 ) date : 1937 culture : french medium : silk , leather , straw , coq feathers credit line : gift of the duchess of windsor , 1950 accession number : c . i . 50 . 110a–j
if you want even more action , you can become a designer for a day at the make your own couture gown station . trust me , you’ll have so much fun exploring the fabrics and patterns of mainbocher by creating your own gown .
“the workshops of mainbocher , famous paris couturier , where you see seamstresses at work preparing the trousseau of the american beauty who will wed the duke of windsor at monts on june 3 . ” bettmann / bettmann nast collection / getty images .
to get a sense of the mainbocher mystique , just listen to jean harvey vanderbilt , who was married to gloria ' s cousin , alfred gwynne vanderbilt , as she shares with exhibit visitors taped memories of visiting the designer ' s manhattan atelier .
i have always loved the classic , clean lines of norman norell and halston , more recently tom ford for gucci , and designers who shake things up a bit like mugler , gaultier , and moschino . i have always known and admired mainbocher .
mcconathy , dale ( 1975 ) , american fashion - the life and lines of adrian , mainbocher , mccardell , norell and trigère , the fashion institute of technology , quadrangle , pp . 115 - 200 , isbn 0 - 8129 - 0524 - 5
mainbocher designed for the most exclusive clientele including diana vreeland , actress claudette colbert , decorator elsie de wolfe , american uber - socialite babe paley , watson armour iii ' s first wife , jean schweppe , gloria vanderbilt , and the duchess of windsor .
pe dress itself , was widely copied . the simple , conservative elegance of mainbocher ' s style , feminine but not fussy , perfectly suited the slim , severe good looks of the duchess and wealthy women like her . additionally , she was honoring a fellow american .
although he left chicago at 19 , he returned frequently for business and lectured at the fashion group in the 1940s . mainbocher returned to his alma mater , john marshall high school , frequently to talk with students and tried always to fit in a lyric opera performance .
at 81 , mainbocher closed his new york fashion house in 1971 and died five years later . the fashion world lost its first french - american designer of international fame and the waves , nurses , and girl scouts lost a friend who cared deeply about their work .
you may have better luck finding mainbocher at auctions , but even still his pieces are incredibly rare . however , if you do manage to get your hands on one of his couture creations expect it to go anywhere from $ 1 , 000 – $ 2 , 000 .
designer : mainbocher ( american , 1890–1976 ) date : ca . 1938 culture : french medium : silk credit line : gift of mrs . harrison williams , lady mendl , and mrs . ector munn , 1946 accession number : c . i . 46 . 4 . 1
in 1939 , world war ii had forced the couturier to move his showroom stateside , and though he vowed to return to paris , he never did . the fact that only about 22 % of mainbocher’s customers were american , combined with the new favor of ready - to - wear over couture drastically reduced his sales . but mainbocher left a lasting impression on the fashion world . as an artist , editor and couturier , his critical eye and passion aided his success in all three categories . mainbocher did things his own way , and wasn’t afraid of what his peers or anyone else thought . on designing clothing , he said : «i don’t believe that dressmaking is an art but i do think that dresses are an important part of the art of living , just as important as food , surroundings , work and play» .
accedance to wartime economies resulted in mainbocher ' s short evening dresses , and versatile cashmere sweaters—beaded , lined in silk , and closed by jeweled buttons—designed to keep women warm in their bare evening gowns . another practical wartime innovation , the
glamor belt ,
an apron - like , sequined or bead - encrusted accessory , could be added to embellish any plain costume . practically gratis , mainbocher designed uniforms for the u . s . women ' s marine corps , the waves ( navy ) , the american red cross , and the girl scouts .
i am absolutely crazy about mainbocher’s clothes . i think they are so subtle , the detailing is so extraordinary , and they are so unbelievably evocative of such a particular time and place and milieu and lifestyle , of absolute subtle luxury . you can really see why a client like
mainbocher’s rise was meteoric ; by 1932 vogue was writing that the designer was “a new star in the firmament of the paris couture . ” from the start , mainbocher was clear about who he wanted to dress and how he wanted his work to be presented . he demanded , and got , double - page spreads . his approach , he would tell vogue , was to make clothes that were “a friend to woman—the kind of friend you can see again and again and not get sick of . ” they were , he said , “intensely wearable , but have great gaiety and mystery , too . ” though unafraid of prints or color , it was his elevation of the humble in the form of decorative cardigans for evening and his concealment of luxury à la fur - lined coats that made signature statements . mainbocher wasn’t a minimalist , at least not in the sense that the word is used today , though he can be placed on a continuum that includes designers such as norman norell , halston , and perhaps bottega veneta’s tomas maier . “severely elegant” is the phrase client jean harvey vanderbilt used to describe mainbocher’s spare , sharply edited designs .
main rousseau bocher ( 1890–1976 ) grew up in a modest home on chicago’s west side . educated at john marshall high school and the lewis institute ( a precursor to the illinois institute of technology ) , mainbocher transformed his interest in the arts into a fashion empire serving royalty , hollywood icons and the social elite . as stated on his plaque on new york’s fashion walk of fame , “mainbocher was known for the understated elegance of his couture clothing . among his innovations were short evening dresses , jeweled sweaters , and a revival of the corset that anticipated dior’s new look . ”
known as the designer of wallis simpson’s dress when she married the duke of windsor in 1937 , main rousseau bocher was the first american couturier in paris . his story and work is the subject of the “ making mainbocher : the first american couturier ” exhibition at the chicago history museum .
most famous for designing the wedding dress of the duchess of windsor in 1937 , mainbocher balanced his elite brand by creating uniforms for the navy w . a . v . e . s . during world war ii , the girl scouts of america and nursing students at chicago’s passavant memorial hospital .
i believe that it was mainbocher’s upbringing that helped enable him to achieve the level of success he did . not having come from a wealthy family meant he had to work hard for everything he achieved and he needed to be smart and flexible in achieving his goals . becoming a couturier requires a great amount of skill and creative talent . haute couture is a complex system of industry standards and social mores . what is most impressive about mainbocher’s path is that he was an american working in the french system and then went on to adhere to the same process in the united states later .
the snob appeal of patronizing an american couturier with a french sounding name—extremely successful in paris for a decade before his arrival in the united states—appealed to the socially élite trade in 1940 new york . no less appealing was the fact that mainbocher had designed the duchess of windsor ' s trousseau upon her marriage in 1937 . in 1930 , after several years as editor of french vogue , mainbocher suddenly decided to channel his artistic sensibilities into the establishment of a couture salon in paris . editorial experience enabled him to sense what would become fashionable and to package himself as an exclusive designer to the wealthy and the titled .
with each garment in the exhibit , visitors travel through time and get a firsthand look at the couture of the 1930’s through the 60’s . each piece whether it be the gown worn by mrs armour watson iii or the uniforms from the girl scouts of america revealed mainbocher’s astute attention to detail and quality .
designer : mainbocher ( american , 1890–1976 ) date : 1946 culture : american medium : wool credit line : brooklyn museum costume collection at the metropolitan museum of art , gift of the brooklyn museum , 2009 ; gift of arturo and paul peralta - ramos , 1954 accession number : 2009 . 300 . 169
his philosophy was rooted in simplicity and sophistication . i think , in many cases , less is more when it comes to mainbocher ' s designs , ' ' she said .
he ' s the designer that had great impact , but many people don ' t know who he is . ' '
mainbocher still kept busy even during the war . he designed uniforms for girl scouts , the red cross , and other military services . instead of floor length gowns , his dresses featured shorter hemlines . during this time , shorter evening dresses became the mainstay throughout all designer collections due to the strict fabric regulations .
the chicago history museum’s mission is to share chicago’s stories . mainbocher’s biography had not yet been told through an exhibition and so it seemed like a good fit for us at this time . his story is multifaceted and in my opinion , fascinating . i’m thrilled that we get to share it with them now .
* correction : this post has been amended to correctly reflect the names of mainbocher ' s best - known clients as identified by exhibit curator petra slinkard . several of those mentioned used their husband ' s names , hence were distinguished simply by the title
mrs . ,
which has now been supplied .
petra slinkard , chicago history museum curator of costumes , said ,
one of the things that most impressed me about mainbocher was that he was always a west sider at heart . this man was a chicago - born designer , artist , editor and patriot . he never distanced himself from our city .
in 1934 mainbocher introduced the boned strapless bodice , and before the war forced him to leave paris , a waist cincher , forming tiny waisted , pleated and skirted dresses that presaged dior ' s postwar new look . mainbocher ' s arrival in new york coincided perfectly with the city élite ' s love for french couture , for though he epitomized it , he satisfied their patriotism because he was actually an american . society matrons such as c . z . guest and the vanderbilts , and stage actresses such as mary martin , avidly patronized this
most expensive custom dressmaker
who made women look and feel exquisitely well - bred .
designer : mainbocher ( american , 1890–1976 ) date : 1950 culture : american medium : silk , metal credit line : brooklyn museum costume collection at the metropolitan museum of art , gift of the brooklyn museum , 2009 ; gift of arturo and paul peralta - ramos , 1954 accession number : 2009 . 300 . 173
fashion was the focus at the opening - night gala oct . 21 of
making mainbocher : the first american couturier
presented by the costume council of the chicago history museum . over 200 stylish partygoers attended the event at the museum to celebrate the life and work of chicago - born designer main rousseau bocher .
in addition to his custom order collections , mainbocher also designed costumes for the stage . among the stars he dressed were mary martin in “the sound of music , ” irene worth in “tiny alice , ” ethel merman in “call me madam , ” rosalind russell in “wonderful town” and katherine cornell in “the prescott papers . ”
from the start , mainbocher specialized in simple , conservative , elegant , and extremely expensive fashions , the luxury of cut , materials , and workmanship that could only be recognized by those in the know . most importantly , the clothes , exquisitely finished inside and out , gave self - confidence to the women who wore them .
mainbocher had a design philosophy rooted in elegance and sophistication which became apparent in each of his garments . he remains an iconic figure in the world of fashion and his legacy cannot be ignored . not one to overlook such an iconic figure , we have the chicago history museum to thank for breathing more life into his story .
as the years progressed , mainbocher continued to design exclusively on a made - to - order basis , refusing to license his name . la galerie , a department in his salon , did produce clothes in standard sizes , a compromise for busy women without time for lengthy fittings . the reverse snobbery of the humble pastel gingham or cotton piqu
mainbocher located his salon on the third floor on a quiet residential street in paris . unlike other couturiers , he established a “caution”–a fee to see the designs ; this fee was applied to any orders clients placed . this reduced copying by other designers , manufacturers , and retailers . his business flourished , and he bought out his original investors .
while mainbocher did use some japanese - like kimonos as eveningwear during this period , his hallmark was nonaggressive , not exaggerated or period dressing . a touch of labor - intensive luxury would be bestowed by all - over sequins on an evening jacket or on a bare top worn discreetly under a jacket . the grayish - blue ,
wallis blue ,
of the duchess of windsor ' s wedding dress , as well as the long , fluid crêpe dress itself , was widely copied . the simple , conservative elegance of mainbocher ' s style , feminine but not fussy , perfectly suited the slim , severe good looks of the duchess and wealthy women like her . additionally , she was honoring a fellow american .
designed to keep women warm in their bare evening gowns . another practical wartime innovation , the
glamor belt ,
an apron - like , sequined or bead - encrusted accessory , could be added to embellish any plain costume . practically gratis , mainbocher designed uniforms for the u . s . women ' s marine corps , the waves ( navy ) , the american
n what must be one of most intriguingly messaged wedding looks of all time , simpson wore a silk crepe dress designed for her by mainbocher , an american couturier working in paris at the time . the dress was dyed ‘wallis blue’ , a pale duck egg shade which the designer coined especially to match his client’s eyes - white was obviously not an option , but . . .
mainbocher closed his couture house in 1939 as the germans moved into france . he returned to the united states and opened a small salon in new york city . many of his paris customers had been americans , so it wasn’t a surprise that his first collection was wildly successful . he moved to a new , larger salon near tiffany & co . on 57th street in manhattan .
on friday , october 21 , the costume council will present the exhibition’s opening gala , worthy of the elegance of mainbocher . kristin noelle smith serves as costume council chair and benefit co - chairs are nancy connelley , marci holzer , and mary shearson . chicago’s chicest will have a preview tour of the exhibition , hear remarks by petra slinkard and enjoy dinner and dancing at the museum .
follow the trajectory of mainbocher’s life throughout the exhibition , discovering his bold career choices and unrelenting ambition that guided him through work in chicago , paris and new york . exhibition highlights include a 1937 suit identical to one selected by the duchess for her trousseau , a stunning strapless ball gown worn by mrs . watson armour iii , two items donated by the couturier and samples of his uniforms .
hen we think of the fashion capitals of the world we think of new york , paris , and milan . as a fashion lover in chicago , it always disappoints me that chicago is not part of such a prestigious group . however , chicago is home to a very iconic figure in fashion and chances are you have never heard of him . meet mainbocher , the first american couturier .
it was a time of grandeur and mainbocher ( he ran his name together for his label , in the manner of other reigning couturiers such as louiseboulanger and augustabernard ) startled by his simplicity . he made short evening dresses instead of long ones , he designed cloth coats to wear at night instead of furs and he used peasantlike checked cottons for grand evening dresses . he became the rage of paris .
how a man from east garfield park ( a 1940 new yorker profile described him growing up on
the unfashionable west side of chicago
) found himself dressing some of the world ' s most notable women , first in 1930s paris and then for decades in new york , is the theme of the new exhibit at the chicago history museum :
making mainbocher : the first american couturier .
“ making mainbocher , ” a new exhibition opening in chicago tomorrow , is a long - overdue hometown homage to an autodidactic designer , main rousseau bocher , who created exquisite designs for the crème de la crème . if his outlook wasn’t particularly democratic , bocher’s life was a rather splendid example of the american dream , which we are hearing so much about this election season , and bears a brief retelling .
ainbocher was a trendsetter in more ways than one . one of his most iconic yet controversial creations was the “mainbocher corset” it dramatically pulled in the waist and altered an undefined silhouette creating a defined bosom . his last and final parisian collection featured the iconic yet controversial piece . he was a little ahead of his time by accentuating the figure of a woman in the 1930’s , so the controversy is understandable .
while mainbocher did use some japanese - like kimonos as eveningwear during this period , his hallmark was nonaggressive , not exaggerated or period dressing . a touch of labor - intensive luxury would be bestowed by all - over sequins on an evening jacket or on a bare top worn discreetly under a jacket . the grayish - blue ,
wallis blue ,
of the duchess of windsor ' s wedding dress , as well as the long , fluid cr
mrs . winston guest . ( c . z . , wife of the dashing sportsman . lambert introduced the outdoorsy guest to mainbocher , a match that proved to be as mutually inspiring as the enduring one he enjoyed with the duchess of windsor . “in main , c . z . was so understated that when she went to spain they didn’t understand her at all , ” recalls a fashion editor . “they thought she dressed like a governess . ” )
“main bocher and five new mainbochers , from left to right : [ on sunny harnett ] silk surah morning glories—pink and fuchsia on black , one of the few long dresses mainbocher showed this season . this has his famous bias cut , a cowboy fling of scarf trickling off the shoulders . at main bocher’s , left , one of those short evening dresses that look almost too fragile to breathe on—embroidered white organdy . over [ isabelle albonico’s ] arm , a short red faille coat . the coat half - hidden by this one [ on anne st . marie ] is fitted white cotton , with a dotty pink - and - white lining . the other dots—mauve on white—belong to one of the famous mainbocher suit blouses , and account for much of the charm of the mauve jersey suit in the foreground [ on dorothy mcgowan ] . finally , a cashmere dress with its own flick of jacket in white and yellow checks . the coiffures by kenneth of lily daché . ”
at the close of the 40s , lambert improvised a “best - dressed fashion professionals” list : the flamboyant valentina , whose producer husband , george schlee , was greta garbo’s lover ; sophie gimbel ( sophie of saks ) ; maxime de la falaise , then a designer at paquin ; and mrs . john c . wilson ( born natasha paley , she was a morganatic russian princess , mainbocher’s directrice , the wife of noël coward’s lover , and the possessor , cecil beaton wrote , of an “instinctive and poetic beauty” ) .
the costume council of the chicago history museum presents a first look at the exhibition at making mainbocher : an opening night gala , on friday , october 21 . the fashionable evening gala promises cocktails , dinner and dancing . the event is sponsored by the costume council of the chicago history museum alongside liz stiffel as presenting sponsor ; luvanis as lead corporate sponsor ; laurent perrier ; jewell catering and bbj linen as event sponsors ; and chicago magazine as media sponsor . co - chairs for the event are nancy connelly , marci holzer , and mary shearson .
“in actual fact , ” mainbocher divulged to town & country in 1967 , the poll was “a publicity stunt for my paris house , ” orchestrated “by the directrice of my salon with the aid of a helpful journalist . naturally , the top awards went to my own clients with a few others sprinkled in for verisimilitude . we did not take it all seriously at the time but others did ; indeed , it was a sensation , and it eventually passed out of our hands altogether . since then , there has been a stupendous escalation of the original idea . ”
mainbocher , known for his sense of decorum , created a garment impeccably suited to the occasion . if his design seems conservative , as compared to the modern experiments of others in the 1930s , it was because he sought an unerring gentility . he held decoration to a minimum , favoring refined feminine forms ( petal - shaped collar , shirring , small embroideries ) . even the gloves were specifically designed to accommodate the wedding ring . while a defect in the stability of the dye has caused the dress to lose its
wallis
blue , it retains the willful seemliness of a marriage in world view .
kristin noelle smith , president of the costume council of the chicago history museum , spoke of mainbocher ' s legacy .
he was born and raised on the west side of chicago , served in world war i in france and rose to become the first american couturier , one of only two ever , to be granted this label by the french government . . . . he was a one - of - a - kind , exceptional chicagoan who reached the pinnacle of design .
his client list included hollywood icons , socialites and royalty . ( he designed the duchess of windsor ' s wedding gown ) .
mainbocher
is usually given a frenchified spin (
man - bo - shay
) , appropriate for a venerated fashion house that dressed generations of a - listers , women such as the duchess of windsor , whose 1937 wedding gown in
wallis blue
is one of the most recognizable garments of the 20th century ; gloria vanderbilt , the jeans designer and anderson cooper ' s mom ; socialite c . z . guest ; legendary vogue editor diana vreeland ; and mary martin , the broadway star . but the name of the man himself was pronounced
maine bocker ,
for he was american — born and raised in chicago .


the jel sert company is a privately held company based in west chicago , illinois , united states .

established in 1926 , its primary products are snack foods and beverages .

jel sert

jel sert , 1926 the jel sert company was founded in 1926 and remains privately held to this day . jel sert ' s first product was a gelatin dessert mix called jel sert , a name derived from combining
jelly
and
dessert
.
© 2018 jel sert . all rights reserved . terms & conditions | privacy policy
jel sert has implemented our employee recognition program to give employees the opportunity to recognize their fellow employees for the work and actions that support jel sert’s objectives and principals .
jel sert licensing program begins , 2003 jel sert kicked off its licensing program by partnering with kellogg ' s to make keebler fudge shoppe chocolate freezer bars . jel sert next worked with dr . pepper snapple group to launch hawaiian punch powders and freezer bars within the next three years .
glassdoor gives you an inside look at what it ' s like to work at the jel sert company , including salaries , reviews , office photos , and more . this is the the jel sert company company profile . all content is posted anonymously by employees working at the jel sert company .
for over eighty years , generations of families have enjoyed jel sert products . quality , flavor , fun and value have always been and will always be the guiding principles at the jel sert company .
our onsite training programs provides expert instructors and tailored training programs , unique to jel sert’s policies and procedures .
charles t . and lillian wegner establish jel sert in a small facility on chicago ' s lake street .
the jel sert company continues to stand by our commitment of providing safe quality food products to our consumers .
jel sert canada , 2007 jel sert headed north in 2007 and began selling freezer bars in canada . now canadian consumers can enjoy a wide variety of our fun foods including freezer bars , drink and dessert mixes .
jel sert is committed to investing in our employees . with the option to attend offsite training , seminars , and / or conferences , this allows for further individual development resulting in the development and capabilities of jel sert .
the pop - ice company is acquired , enabling jel sert to enter a new market that it eventually dominates .
jel sert company .
international directory of company histories . . retrieved july 09 , 2018 from urltoken urltoken
service awards are just one way jel sert recognizes our employees and how important they are to the organization . when reaching milestone years , jel sert celebrates the achievement and the loyalty one has given to the company throughout their years of service .
new employees are eligible to enroll in jel sert’s 401k plan on the first of the month following 30 days of employment .
griffin , jake ,
w . chicago sweet on jel sert ,
chicago daily herald , july 23 , 2003 .
jel sert will supply safe quality food products to consumers by consistently meeting the requirements of our food safety and quality systems .
jel sert over the years has run promotions , but nothing of this magnitude .
we ' re having an exceptional year ,
reports manenti , though he won ' t provide figures . jel sert is believed to have annual sales of $ 140 million .
the 401 ( k ) plan is a pre - tax retirement savings vehicle that is built on contributions from you and jel sert .
jel sert is committed to providing employees with development opportunities as we are invested in your long term success and advancement within the organization .
jel sert company .
international directory of company histories . . encyclopedia . com . ( july 9 , 2018 ) . urltoken
jel sert licensing program expands , 2008 jel sert debuted a new portfolio of licensed freezer bars in 2008 including soda pops with dr . pepper , 7up , orange crush and a & w ; root beer flavors as well as tampico and jelly belly flavored pops . jel sert also introduced diet snapple singles to go ! powdered soft drinks , giving consumers a new way to enjoy their favorite snapple flavors .
we like our opportunities with both promotions ,
says steven manenti , jel sert ' s executive vice president - marketing and sales .
if you wish to purchase additional lines of insurance coverage , jel sert offers a range of aflac plans to help you with unexpected expenses .
gallun , alby ,
jel sert wiggles into kraft - dominated market ,
crain ' s chicago business , january 22 , 2001 .
the jel sert company continues to stand by our commitment of providing safe quality food products to our consumers . in order to . . .
kool pops / mr . freeze , 2007 the jel sert company acquired rights to the mr . freeze brand as well as the licensing rights to the kool pops brand from kraft foods . both brands enjoy a strong , nostalgic heritage that jel sert has kept alive and well .
frootee ice , 2004 frootee ice was acquired by jel sert and later introduced for consumers to enjoy in a fresh , new mesh bag package .
the jel sert company is strongly committed to making your child’s experience on our web site safe and enriching . see our privacy policy for more information .
i applied online . the process took 2 + months . i interviewed at the jel sert company ( san francisco , ca ) in january 2015 .
i started working at jel sert in 2011 . they offered me the opportunity to be part of the team . currently , i am working in the shipping department . it is a very positive work environment . if you are willing and wanting to learn , jel sert offers you the opportunity to grow .
i’ve been with jel sert for 9 years and one of the best things about being here is that if you have an idea for an improvement , management will listen . if your idea is justified , you get to implement it . it’s really a “what’s best for jel sert” mentality that doesn’t shut down ideas to remove roadblocks and headaches . jel sert is always looking for ways to improve and they recognize that their employees know the process and have good ideas .
jel sert ' sr & d staff provides any item with great taste and texture to help make a traditionally difficult experience into one that is enjoyable .
the jel sert company , “makers of fun foods , ” is a family - owned business providing our customers with high quality and high value food products .
jel sert is three blocks away from metra’s union pacific / west line in west chicago . the quick scenic walk to our facility is safe and well lit .
jel sert selects qad erp software ; powdered beverages & freezer bar maker finds qad a recipe for success ,
business wire , august 31 , 1998 .
cross training employees allows jel sert to be prepared for situations in which an employee needs to jump in and assist in order to keep the business running as usual .
jel sert employees are able to purchase our products at a reduced cost . it’s as easy as putting your order in by tuesday morning and receiving it on thursday !
jel sert experienced growth during the 1930s and soon relocated its operations to a larger plant on 1020 south central park avenue . the company ' s success was due in part to the wegners ' fiscal responsibility , as the bulk of profits were invested back into the business . this enabled jel sert to fund its expansion efforts independently .
the jel sert company is seeking candidates who take pride in their work and are looking to contribute their unique ideas , skills , experience , and passion to our company .
in efforts to increase students and parents interest in manufacturing , jel sert has formed programs with local schools , community colleges , businesses , chambers , and branches of government .
we are proud of the actions our employees have taken to support our safety initiative . jel sert takes pride in the safety achievements that have been accomplished over the years !
of consumer healthcare matt ingemi discussed the capabilities the company came to develop in the decade after its new division was established , explaining :
jel sert has the ability to take a medicine or nutritional / functional ingredient and create a great - tasting finished product . jel sert can then take that product and put it into fun , unique formats
jel sert has partnered with west chicago community high school and college of dupage to provide local students with the required skills and knowledge necessary as they prepare to enter the manufacturing workforce .
jel sert believes our employees are our greatest asset and we will continue to do our part to provide employees with a work environment that is safe and free from potential safety hazards .
jel sert realizes the value of bringing training onsite . learning in a group environment boosts individual and team knowledge , refines processes and provides an excellent team - building opportunity for our employees .
jel sert gives our employees the opportunity to raise funds for organizations close to their heart through virtual fundraisers . you chose the organization and the employees receive casual days in return for their donation .
hampson , philip ,
the road to success . a sketch of mrs . charles t . wegner , president of jel sert co . ,
chicago tribune , june 16 , 1956 .
the jel sert company opened its arms for me in 2010 . since then , i am so proud to be part of the jel sert family . i started as a qa lab technician on 3rd shift and right away noticed that i was among hard working employees . the fact that every department works hard every day looking for ways to improve inspired me to learn more about this wonderful company . my superiors gave me all the necessary tools to expand my knowledge and cross train in other areas of my department . jel sert gave me the support by allowing me to take part in internal and external training which helped me achieve the dream of becoming the qc supervisor . jel sert is my second family that has watched me mature , gain knowledge , and be a better person every day .
we encourage employees to help support victims of natural disasters by donating to disaster relief organizations . jel sert has pledged to match employee donations raised through our company sponsored fundraisers to help those in need .
for nearly a century , the jel sert company has focused on the singular mission of making high quality , high value food and beverage products that help families and friends gather together to create lasting memories .
the jel sert company is based in west chicago , illinois , where over 1 , 000 employees share the company’s passion for producing high quality , high value products that are staples in family households nationwide .
heading into the end of the decade , jel sert continued to improve the sophistication of its operations . this was evident in the implementation of specialized software to manage the company ' s transportation and logistics functions . in 2007 jel sert continued to produce its own brands , making and selling more freezer pops than any other company in the world , and to focus on expanding production of privatelabel goods for other companies .
jel sert continues to reinforce safety policies and practices , educate and encourage employee involvement within our safety program . we are committed to our employees and continue to recognize and award employees for their continued safety accomplishments .
the jel sert company offers a great work environment to learn and grow . i joined the jel sert company in 2007 as a local area network administrator ( lan ) . as the lan administrator , i got to see firsthand how we virtualize our server room and desktops . i now oversee the computer operations group . one of the things i enjoy about working here is the opportunity to learn and apply new emerging technologies .
jel sert will match . 50 cents for every dollar you contribute of the first 6 % , however employees can invest up to 60 % of their pay ( depending on annual irs and required plan limits ) .
if you are looking for a privately held , innovative , results driven organization that rewards and values creativity , professionalism , teamwork , honesty , and longevity then follow the link above to apply at the jel sert company .
to promote employee health and wellness , jel sert supports and encourage all corporate employees to enhance their quality of their life through a continual process of lifestyle improvement and balanced living by offering our health club membership reimbursement program .
otter pops , 1996 otter pops® was acquired in 1996 , and is the strongest freezer pop brand on the west coast . today , jel sert produces and sells more freezer pops than any other company in the world .
even though the opportunity to work remotely does not apply to all positions , jel sert understands that that trends are clearly moving towards embracing flexible work as a way of doing business , rather than doing business the same old way .
flextime at jel sert is a work schedule with time of arrival and departure that differs from the standard office hours of 8 : 30 a . m . to 5 : 00 p . m . , or department hours of operation .
based in west chicago , illinois , the jel sert company employs over 1 , 000 passionate people who share our mission of making high quality , high value food and beverage products that help families and friends gather together to make lasting memories .
the trick for firms like jel sert co . , with a coupon offer on the back of packages of general mills ' honey nut cheerios , is to make the promotion as valuable as possible so that redemption is high enough to justify such a program .
jel sert will reimburse employees up to one - half ( 1 / 2 ) of the employee’s eligible fees , of an individual monthly health club membership , up to a maximum amount of $ 30 . 00 per month provided the employee follows the guidelines .
typically , coupon redemption overall will average 3 to 4 percent . redemption of coupons on cereal boxes from outside firms can range from a mere half of 1 percent to 40 percent , says a source at general mills , which approached jel sert for this promotion .
privately - held jel sert has a top ally with honey nut cheerios . this cheerios brand in 1998 posted sales of $ 204 million , backed by an advertising budget of $ 33 million , according to information resources inc . and competitive media reporting , respectively .
wyler ' s® / wyler ' s light® 2000 jel sert acquired the wyler ' s™ trademark in 1994 . wyler ' s light , introduced in 2000 , is well known for its great tasting low - calorie , sugar - free products that everyone can enjoy .
jel sert prices their products fairly , and doesn’t waste time with annoying coupon programs or lots of “brand positioning” or tiring product extensions and product reformulations and redesigns that confuse customers . they are the anti - kraft , and for that , consumers should be grateful .
while we respect your individuality , your neat appearance is important to our ability to maintain a professional atmosphere and leave a favorable impression with our customers and visitors . jel sert strives to be known as an organization where employees enjoy their work environment while achieving extraordinary results .
jel sert is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable all applicants with disabilities , handicaps , or applicants affected by pregnancy , child birth , or medical conditions related to pregnancy or child birth provided the individual is otherwise qualified to perform the essential functions of the job .
as a company built to manage our own mainstream retail product development and sales , the jel sert company has an unmatched understanding of what our clients need and expect from a manufacturing partner . from our trusted team of development and project management experts who work closely with our clients , to our ability to provide turn - key solutions , the jel sert company delivers an exceptional client experience with a high - quality final product . our west chicago , il manufacturing resources feature state - of - the - art systems that include the following certifications :
in order to recognize the varied and changing personal needs of jel sert staff and the flexible work - styles present in today’s workplace , we are pleased to offer a plan for flexible working hours to corporate office employees . please note , this policy does not apply to members of management .
for nearly a century , the jel sert company has focused on creating high quality , high value foods and beverages that help bring people together . as a proud family owned business , they understand that sharing a meal ; a treat or even just a quick beverage can be . . .
mondo , 1991 mondo® fruit squeezers were launched by jel sert in 1991 . strong promotions and national advertising have helped it become a well - known brand in the juice drink category . with the advantages of convenience and recyclability , mondo provides more fun to children than the traditional juice - box .
jel - sert started making gelatine in 1926 , and continues on to this day , still family owned by the charles wegner family . it is an extremely focused company , but has expanded on its sugary niche by working with pharmaceutical products useful with healthcare . ( see the history here . )
jel sert has occasionally offered employees an opportunity to bring a brown bag lunch to an onsite wellness training or presentation over their lunch hour . this allows employees the opportunity to either learn how to take advantage of the benefit plan offerings , learn about specific health topics , or even healthy life style choices .
west chicago - based jel sert has a good deal at stake in promotions . it also will launch a modest rebate offer on the
babe : pig in the city
video on packaging of its fla - vor - ice and flavor - aid . packaging with that offer is just hitting retail outlets .
jel sert employees are committed to giving back ! employee have the opportunity to volunteer at nifb on designated dates with their coworkers . this gives employees the opportunity to engage with coworkers in which they don’t have a chance to while helping the food bank inspect , sort or package food before it’s distributed to our hungry neighbors .
jel sert is proud to support the fight against ovarian cancer through knowledge and awareness . our support is in honor of those within our global community who have been affected by ovarian cancer – the survivors , patients , caregivers and the loved ones – yours and ours . help break the silence . . . talk about ovarian cancer .
jel sert offers an annual onsite free flu shot clinic to all employees . this is a voluntary option that is offered to all employees on a designated date each november . the only requirement is for employees to sign up prior to the event ! who would not want to get paid while taking a few minutes to help prevent the flu !
beginning in june , about 7 million boxes of honey nut cheerios , the third - best - selling cereal behind regular cheerios and kellogg ' s frosted flakes , will carry a 2 - for - 1 coupon offer on the back panel for jel sert ' s freezer bars - - fla - vor - ice , pop - ice and otter pops .
by late 2006 , jel sert had forged its first exclusive licensing agreement with another manufacturer . the deal with unistraw international pty . involved the production of a unique line of straws that added flavor to milk during the drinking process . called sipahh , the straw devices also could be used to add pharmaceuticals , nutrition , vitamins , and more to beverages .
jel sert offers the best of both worlds to an employee . they are privately owned with incredible longevity and have a vision for continued growth in the future . they really care about work - life balance , and manufacture high quality , fun products in a safe , clean manufacturing environment . i like knowing i work for a company that cares about its employees and customers .
the jel sert company is a leading manufacturer of powder and liquid products , working within the standards and regulations for food , medical foods , dietary supplements , nutritional products and otc pharmaceuticals . for the past 20 years , our team has been dedicated to establishing an exemplary manufacturing infrastructure that supports the needs of some of the world ' s largest cpg ' s and pharmaceutical companies .
in an august 31 , 1998 , business wire release , jel sert vice president of finance mike alger said :
qad ' s mfg / pro gives us a fully integrated system allowing forecasting and sales to drive purchasing and production . the system integrates mrp , sales forecasting , scheduling and purchasing functions with financials so that we can achieve more efficient , cost - effective use of our resources .
my - t - fine / royal , 2000 in december 2000 , jel sert acquired the royal® and myt * t * fine® brands , both of which have a strong and lyal following . the royal brand , which includes puddings , gelatins , and flan , dates back to 1925 . my * t * fine , a premium cook - and - serve pudding brand , was introduced in 1918 .
jel sert will supply safe quality food products to consumers by consistently meeting the requirements of our food safety and quality systems . in addition , our company will continually review customer and regulatory requirements and establish objectives that seek to improve our products . employees will prioritize food safety and quality in the production of our products and be encouraged to offer their ideas for improving our food safety and quality management systems .
by the 1990s jel sert ' s operations had increased in complexity compared to only a few decades before . like other manufacturing organizations of similar size , the company relied on computer software to manage certain business processes . in 1997 the company began searching for a new , y2k - ready enterprise and manufacturing resource planning software system that could handle functions such as production scheduling , demand forecasting , and inventory control .
the following year , jel sert entered the candy manufacturing arena when it began producing the sweet cred candy brand for the u . s . market . already popular in europe , the line included skateboarders ( wind - up action figures affixed to candy - filled tubes ) , as well as cuties ( porcelain dolls with rainbow lollipops ) , and wrist lickers ( hard candy on a wrist - mounted strap ) .
in 2003 jel sert made plans to revitalize its brands . the strategy involved new packaging , reformulated products , and new product introductions . in addition , the company put more marketing muscle behind its wyler ' s light brand , joined forces with kellogg ' s keebler division to manufacture a new line of fudge pops , and forged a licensing deal with universal studios to offer on - pack promotions related to the movies spiderman and the hulk .
since its incorporation in 1926 , the jel sert company has been at the forefront of innovation in the food and beverage industry with an evolving portfolio of brands ranging from drink mixes and ready to drink beverages to dessert mixes and freezer pops . our beloved brands include otter pops , fla - vor - ice , pop - ice , kool pops , wyler’s light , flavor - aid , mondo , royal , and my - t - fine .
during this time , new offerings were introduced , including a syrup mix and prepared cornstarch pudding . by 1941 growth prompted jel sert to relocate again , to a larger , 27 , 000 - square - foot facility on 6601 south sayre avenue in chicago ' s clearing industrial district . completed in the fall of that year , the new facility served the company well during world war ii , when production included a variety of dessert mixes for the armed forces .
they make a joke of the assertion that candy companies need to move all their business to central america to save on costs . jel sert produces sugar filled stuff , and still manages to make it in the u . s . while i am sure it is tempting to move production , it has not happened . it’s funny that the overhead created by marketing and executives is never “outsourced” but the lesser cost of raw materials and labor is frequently shipped abroad .
it is the policy of the jel sert company to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all colleagues and applicants for employment without regard to race , color , ethnicity , religion , gender , pregnancy / childbirth , age , national origin , sexual orientation , gender identity or expression , disability or perceived disability , genetic information , citizenship , veteran or military status , marital or domestic partner status , or any other category protected by federal , state and / or local laws .
the stock market crash on october 29 , 1929 , ushered in the great depression , wreaking havoc on new and established businesses alike . however , jel sert was able to prosper during this difficult period in u . s . history because its products , which cost between 5 and 10 cents each , were within reach of virtually everyone . it was in 1929 that the company rolled out its flavor aid line of powdered soft drink mixes , capitalizing on the popularity of this type of product that had emerged earlier in the decade .
indeed , under lillian wegner ' s watchful eye the business continued to grow . by the mid - 1950s jel sert had become the third largest company in its field , with a base of approximately 75 workers , some of whom had been with the business for a quarter century . one of its employees was lillian wegner ' s son , charles t . wegner iii , who was learning company operations in the position of vice president . growth included new products , such as lemon - and orange - flavored drink mixes that were introduced around 1958 .
growth continued into the middle of the decade , as jel sert ' s workforce grew to 800 employees . based on data from information resources , inc . , reported in the august 2005 issue of dairy field , the company was the nation ' s leading manufacturer of ice pop novelties for the year ended july 10 , 2005 , with a commanding market share of 49 . 9 percent . the next largest players were private labels ( 13 . 3 % ) , followed by latin specialties inc . ( 9 . 6 % ) , and kraft foods inc . ( 4 . 9 % ) .
jel sert ' s sales totaled about $ 140 million at the dawn of the new millennium . the new century was quickly marked with notable developments . in december 2000 , the company acquired nabisco holdings corp . ' s $ 40 million baking powder , dry - mix pudding , no - bake dessert , and dry gelatin assets , which included davis baking powder and fleischmann ' s baking powder , as well as my - t - fine pudding and royal brand gelatin . the sale was made in connection with philip morris co . ' s acquisition of nabisco , per antitrust requirements that had to be met in order for the federal government to approve the deal .
getting promotional space on panels of cereal boxes can be difficult , though the task is easier if the cereal - maker initiates the promotion .
general mills also likes what manenti describes as
residual value
of the promotion . that is , once honey nut cheerios makes its way into households and onto the pantry shelves , youngsters can take over , nudging mom to redeem the
buy one , get one free
coupon .
sales are up , but profits are much better ,
submits daniel j . manella , chief executive officer , who was recruited for the post nearly two years ago , and subsequently hired manenti .
strictly personal : birthday greetings to keith magnuson , 52 ( coca - cola bottling ) ; bobo bojovic , 75 ; bob bailey , 54 ( bbdo ) ; crisis - management consultant dick starmann , 54 , and howard blumstein , 41 ( bdo seidmann ) .
when kids learn brand names along with math , some say the . . .
( starts with 1 or 2 letters followed by 4 or 5 numbers . for example : ' wb 8248 ' )
please call 630 - 876 - 4838 to learn about our process for donation requests and inquiries . no donation requests will be accepted via this web site . please allow 4 - 6 weeks for processing .
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our family of brands has expanded to include a variety of products that meet the needs of our growing base of loyal consumers . from those looking to indulge in a sweet snack or beverage on - the - go , to those seeking lower calorie or “clean label” options , our brands offer something for everyone .
we believe that our company’s continued success is dependent on our ability to attract incredible talent , which is why we invest in the professional development of our employees and work hard to help each exceed his or her potential .
check out our opportunities within our corporate , corporate manufacturing and manufacturing divisions below .
when selecting an hmo , you will need to choose and register with your current carrier a primary care physician ( pcp ) from a list of network providers .
if you require a specialist , outpatient procedure , or hospitalization , your registered pcp must refer you .
this ensures you remain within your hmo network . there aren’t out - of - network benefits with an hmo .
you have the flexibility to see any doctor or visit any hospital of your choice , however , you will pay significantly less money out of your pocket if you use a doctor or hospital that is in the network .
for most doctor visits and specialist visits , you simply pay a copayment at the time of service . preventative care services are generally covered at 100 % , with no cost share to you .
you have a great deal of flexibility and choice with a ppo , and can manage your out - of - pocket costs by remaining in network .
preventative care services are covered at 100 % as long as your physician bills your visit as preventative . for other services , including routine office visits , procedures , lab work , prescription drugs , etc . , no benefits will be paid until you have met your annual deductible .
the hsa is a bank account paired with your bcbs major medical coverage that allows you to save money on a tax - free basis to pay your deductible and other out - of - pocket medical expenses . qualified medical expenses that can be paid using this account include doctor visits , prescription drugs , chiropractic treatment , acupuncture , adult braces , and dental and vision expenses . you own the money in your hsa account and it is yours to keep – even when you change plans or retire . the funds can roll over from year to year and you do not pay tax on withdrawals used for qualified medical expenses .
you have the flexibility to use any dentist of your choice , however , you can manage your out - of - pocket costs by remaining in - network .
negotiated fees extend to all in - network services—even to non - covered services like cosmetics and adult orthodontia—and to services provided after the annual benefit maximum has been exceeded .
out - of - network fees are based on the schedule of maximum allowances .
the vision insurance plan provides reimbursement for vision related services ( eye exams , glasses , contact lenses , etc . ) , however , you can manage your out - of - pocket costs by utilizing in - network vision providers .
vision insurance is automatically given to employees , at no additional cost , that sign up for our medical insurance .
vesting begins after 2 years of service and is fully reached after 6 years of service .
your designated beneficiary will receive a benefit to help ease their financial burden if you die from a covered accident or illness . accidental death and dismemberment ( ad & d ) provides an additional benefit if you die or become dismembered due to a specifically covered accident .
employee coverage in $ 10 , 000 increments ; maximum of $ 500 , 000 , not to exceed 7 times salary ; $ 150 , 000 guarantee issue for 7 / 1 / 2016 enrollment .
spousal coverage in $ 5 , 000 increments ; maximum of $ 250 , 000 , not to exceed 50 % of employee amount ; $ 30 , 000 guarantee issue for 7 / 1 / 2016 enrollment .
if you become ill or suffer an injury that prevents you from working , this form of disability insurance replaces a portion of your income for a defined maximum period of time .
if you become ill or suffer an injury that prevents you from returning to work for an extended period of time , this program will replace a portion of your income for a defined period of time .
ltd benefits pays up to 66 . 67 % of pre - disability earnings to a maximum of $ 10 , 000 per month
if you wish to start or continue your education for the benefit of your career , you can receive reimbursement for classes that improve your ability to perform your present job and prepare you for advancement opportunities within the company .
onsite training offers employees the capacity to further build up their aptitudes and extend their expert learning while saving valuable time and maintaining productivity .
employees see firsthand how truly valued they are as a team member through the companies support of their development .
employees can be more focused and therefore learn better when they are away from the office . they will not be distracted by ringing phones , or be tempted to check their emails throughout the day .
there is the opportunity to network with others to find out what works best for them , what has given others the best results , or get clarity that our systems , procedures and / or policies are efficient .
cross training adds value to the business , but also to the employee . when an employee has been given the opportunity to cross train and takes on additional responsibilities , it is a result of management believing the employees growth potential and professional development goals .
an individual development plan assists employees in career and personal development . it allows employees to reach short and long term career goals and improve their current job performance .
employees are strongly encouraged to share their individual development plans with their manager in efforts to gain their support while working toward obtaining new skills intended for a future position .
other wellness programs will be evaluated for reimbursement under this benefit on a case by case basis . other wellness programs may include programs such as weight loss programs , yoga classes , smoking cessation programs , and other similar programs that support a healthy lifestyle . programs must be preapproved by the human resources department prior to enrollment .
walking programs are organized seasonally based upon expressed interest . with our program , each friday at noon , employees have the opportunity to walk a designated course within our community . additionally , participating employees are treated to healthy snacks throughout the course of the program .
our employee assistance program is in place to provide employees with assistance for personal problems ( e . g . martial , financial , emotional problems , family issues , substance / alcohol abuse , etc . ) that they may be adversely affecting their performance on the job and / or personal life . these problems do not have to be caused by workplace issues .
the eap includes a wide array of services such as behavioral health , work - life , health and wellness programs , basic legal assistance and referrals , financial guidance and much more .
all employees will accrue vacation time from the first day of their employment . vacation is accrued between january 1st and december 31st . employees can utilize vacation time through the first monday following the new year’s holiday however ; any unused vacation time that is not utilized by this time will be forfeited .
vacation time is based upon years of service . the minimum amount of vacation time is up to two ( 2 ) weeks and the maximum amount of vacation time can go up to five ( 5 ) weeks .
personal days are to be used to attend to personal business matters . hourly employees receive 3 paid personal days per calendar year * ; salaried employees receive personal days at the discretion of their department head .
sick days are to be used when you cannot work due to a non - work related illness or injury . hourly employees receive 5 paid sick days per calendar year * ; salaried employees receive sick days at the discretion of their department head . the only exception to this benefit applies to salaried employees working out of california . ca employees should contact hr for further information .
all employees are expected to be at work during the standard office / department hours unless approval is granted for a flexible work schedule .
in order to provide an enjoyable work environment , a business casual dress policy is in place as our dress code monday through thursday for corporate office employees with casual days every friday . this standard of dress invites employees to leave their customary business attire at home and wear business casual attire to the office .
our employees are our most valuable resource . employees are encouraged and will be rewarded for a candidate referral provided the candidate is qualified and hired for an open corporate position .
employees generally will have their performance evaluated at the end of the fiscal year . the review date is subject to change . a performance appraisal does not guarantee an increase in pay . rather , it is conducted for the purpose of assessing work performance and progress .
please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to search or apply for a position by calling our accommodation hotline at ( 630 ) 876 - 4940 . please leave a message and a member of our hr department will call you back within two ( 2 ) business days . please note that if you are calling for any reason other than to request an accommodation to search or apply for a job , such as calling to check on the status of your application , your call will not be returned .
examples of reasonable accommodations may include but are not limited to ; making a change to the application process or procedures , providing documents in an alternative format , using a sign language interpreter , or using specialized equipment .
as a proud family owned business , we understand that sharing a meal , a treat or even just a quick beverage can be an opportunity to create meaningful time with loved ones and good friends . in today’s fast - paced , busy world , these moments can be few and far between and thus all the more valued . that is why we believe we create plenty more than just delicious food and beverage products .
we bring smiles to a summer picnic gathering . we bring laughs to a holiday dinner table . we bring joy to the local neighborhood lemonade stand .
it is our pleasure to be able to assist in making these moments all the more memorable . thank you for allowing us to do so .
advancement opportunities . there are many things to learn and people willing to train and teach you . the people are nice and management is friendly . it is fast paced and going forth into pharmaceutical products is a smart move .
route 59 and conde street west chicago , illinois 60185 u . s . a . telephone : ( 630 ) 231 - 7590 toll free : ( 800 ) 323 - 2592 fax : ( 630 ) 231 - 3993 web site : urltoken
private company incorporated : 1926 employees : 600 ( 2005 ) sales : $ 187 million ( 2005 est . ) naic : 311412 frozen specialty food manufacturing ; 311930 flavoring syrup and concentrate manufacturing ; 311942 spice and extract manufacturing ; 311999 all other miscellaneous food manufacturing ; 312111 soft drink manufacturing
in time the company would go on to make pharmaceutical - grade products like pedia care pops for pfizer , as well as pedialyte for abbott labs . in the january
formats that can ease the administration of any functional product to otherwise hesitant recipients . from gels to freezer pops to beverages
by july of the following year the company had signed a deal with software developer qad for its mfg / pro system . the software , along with modules for supply chain management , financials , manufacturing , and distribution , was slated for implementation in january 1999 .
in june 2001 , ground was broken for an additional 208 , 000 - square - foot warehouse complex at 444 charles court in west chicago . the new facility included docks for 28 trucks to load the company ' s freezer pops and food products , as well as 5 , 000 square feet of office space .
upon the death of charles wegner , lillian wegner becomes the company ' s chief executive .
a consumer healthcare division is formed , allowing the company to serve the pharmaceutical industry .
nabisco ' s $ 40 million baking powder , drymix pudding , no - bake dessert , and dry gelatin assets are acquired .
american dairy queen ; carousel foods of america , inc . ; coolbrands international , inc . ; j & jsnack foods corp . ; kraft
healthy proposition : despite low - carb ' s fizzle , better - for - you frozen desserts remain in strong demand ,
dairy field , august 2005 .
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flavor - aid , 1929 the concept of powdered mixes was very popular in the 1920s , and led to the 1929 introduction of the flavor aid® line of powdered soft drink mixes .
pop - ice , 1963 the success of flavor aid in the 1950s led to the acquisition of the pop - ice® company in 1963 . pop - ice was a small company producing a unique freeze - at - home pop that offered the opportunity to enter an exciting new product category .
fla - vor - ice , 1969 the brand fla - vor - ice® was introduced in 1969 , to complement flavor aid , and quickly became the leading freezer pop in the united states .
began in 1970 by a group of parents whose children had been diagnosed with cancer . they came together to lobby for more research , and to support each other through the diagnosis and treatment of this life threatening disease at a time when very few children survived . today , acco is one of the largest grassroots , national organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children and adolescents with cancer and their families . we are proud to be associated with the acco and the fight against childhood cancer . our efforts focus on promoting awareness and supporting advocacy programs .
childhood cancer is the # 1 cause of death by disease of america’s children and each year there are approximately 12 , 600 children who are diagnosed with cancer in the u . s . in 2008 , we began adding the gold ribbon and acco information to our fla - vor - ice freezer pops packaging in support of the gold ribbons for childhood cancer awareness cause . this campaign now extends across millions of packages of fla - vor - ice , otter pops and pop - ice , inspiring childhood cancer advocacy and honoring those affected by the disease .
in addition to this program we are active both on - line through social media and off - line at local events to provide support and keep people informed . we hope that through our efforts more people will become aware of our partnership with the acco , the resources this organization provides and the need to be actively involved so that we can end childhood cancer .
since 1995 , the national ovarian cancer coalition ( nocc ) has been raising awareness , providing education and dispelling myths about this serious disease . too often , symptoms go unrecognized and ovarian cancer is detected too late .
look for the nocc logo and contact information on every package of wyler ' s light products .
the nocc continues to expand awareness and education campaigns , and initiates new projects through the generous support of corporations , foundations and individuals . for further information , please go to urltoken , e - mail nocc @ urltoken or call 1 - 888 - ovarian .
jelsert has room for growth , really rewards hard work . has a very competitive pay structure . the company has a great diverse group of employees that works well together .
only that it is a demanding industry that requires your a game . this is not a place for lifers not willing to be competitive . you must keep polishing your skills here and not fall asleep at the wheel .
initial phone interview with hr , lasted about 1 . 5 hours with the questions ranging from my experience and work history to behavioral questions . at the end of this discussion the hr manager advised me that i would be recommended for the next interview with the next level up sales manager . that interview took place on the phone which i passed and advanced to the first in person interview . the in person interview took place about a month later to which i was then invited to the final round . the final round of interviews included four other candidates and was broken out into two sessions , one being a lunch interview . the vp of sales and two sales managers conducted the interviews and the questions from the vp of sales focused on understanding my work history and experience . these folks were all very professional and friendly .