{"id":1688,"date":"2021-10-25T02:44:00","date_gmt":"2021-10-25T02:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/fashionresourcecentre.com\/?p=1688"},"modified":"2021-10-26T02:38:21","modified_gmt":"2021-10-26T02:38:21","slug":"claire-haddad-a-canadian-fashion-icon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fashionresourcecentre.com\/?p=1688","title":{"rendered":"Claire Haddad: A Canadian Fashion Icon (1924-2016)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Claire<\/a>
Claire Haddad (1924-2016)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

By Dale Peers,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is with sadness that I write this remembrance and offer condolences to the family of Canadian fashion legend, Claire Haddad.  Claire passed away on Tuesday May 17th<\/sup>, 2016, just two months to the day of what would have been her 92nd<\/sup> birthday.  Claire was a \u201cforce majeur\u201d in the Canadian Fashion industry.  With her husband, Albert Haddad\u2019s love and support Claire produced designs from the 1960s to the 1980s and ran a successful fashion company in Canada.  Her beautiful and fashionable lounge and sleepwear created an entire new category of women\u2019s fashions, \u201cAt Homewear\u201d.    Claire believed that a woman should feel elegant and comfortable at home where the most important people in her life were. In addition she pioneered the idea of bringing loungewear outside of the home for elegant eveningwear to the theatre, balls and cocktail parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"clairehaddad2\"<\/a>
Fashion by Claire Haddad<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Over the years I had the great good fortune to meet with Claire several times and each time it was a delight to speak with this incredible woman.  She was so proud of all her family and spoke of them often.  Her beloved husband Albert was also top of mind in our conversations.  When they say \u201cbehind every great man is a great woman\u201d Claire would have flipped that to describe the tremendous support and encouragement Albert provided her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"clairehaddad3\"<\/a>
Fashion by Claire Haddad<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Claire and Albert shared many elements of their lives including a shared history of immigration. Claire’s mother Rose came to Canada at age 16 from Damascus, Syria where she had worked as a seamstress. Claire’s father, Joseph Henry Bardwell immigrated to Canada at age five from Lebanon (2016). Her parent’s company, J. H. Bardwell is where her designing life began (Froggatt et al 1980).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At age 20 Claire married Albert Haddad who, at age six immigrated to Canada with his widowed mother from Syria. (2016) Albert would join J. H. Bardwell after Claire’s father died and, in 1964 he and Claire would establish Claire Haddad Ltd. (Froggatt et al 1980). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Claire and Albert were passionate about the Canadian fashion industry.  Claire often told me about her choice of fabrics.  That she looked for beautiful fabrics in Canada and when she did import something she infused an aspect of Canada into the production by having artists create some of the unique painting on the silks that were then used in the fashions.  She loved colour and elegance and embodied that in her own stylish self.  Whenever she came to visit, to attend our annual Fashion Show, Fashion Resource Centre exhibitions or student award presentations she wore a fashionable outfit topped with a beautiful hat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"clairedress2\"<\/a>
Fashion by Claire Haddad<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Elizabeth Taylor, Cyd Cyrisse, Mary Tyler Moore and Carol Burnett were just a few of the celebrities she dressed.  The gown for Elizabeth Taylor presented a challenge \u2013 Taylor refused to be measured so Claire asked to have a bra belonging to the actress smuggled out so she could create the perfect garment!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"clairedress4\"<\/a>
Fashion by Claire Haddad<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Her work was recognized by members of the press as well as her peers. Claire was the first Canadian designer to be recognized in international publications such as Women\u2019s Wear Daily and Vogue Magazine.  She won a Coty Award which was the equivalent of a fashion Oscar as well as six Canadian Edee awards.   Her contribution to the Canada was also recognized when, in 1979 she received the Order of Canada (Froggatt et al., 1980).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"claire3\"<\/a>
Fashion by Claire Haddad<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Claire\u2019s contribution to the Canadian Fashion industry exceeded the bounds of her successful company as she was actively involved in the establishment and as a member of organizations such as Fashion Group International \u2013 Toronto chapter and the Fashion Designers Association of Canada (FDAC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"claire4\"<\/a>
Fashion by Claire Haddad<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

When Seneca College began the Fashion Resource Centre in 1989 Claire was front and centre as both a volunteer and donor.  Our Fashion Resource Centre has been gifted with so many of her lovely designs and each term our students are astounded by the beauty of the fabrics, the embellishments and the creative design details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Albert and Claire Haddad Fashion Award each year recognizes the efforts of a student in the School of Fashion and Claire was always graciously present when the student would be recognized.  The students were always grateful to receive an award but were even more excited to meet Claire in person.  As excited as the students were some were also shy.  Each time Claire made them feel so special since she talked with them about their work and hers.  The experience of winning such an honour became an extraordinary moment in their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Claire led an extraordinary life that one can only aspire to.  It included love, family, integrity, generosity, creativity and a legacy that allows others to be inspired well into the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"clairedress5\"<\/a>
Fashion by Claire Haddad<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Claire<\/a>
Claire Haddad visiting Seneca<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Biography<\/em>. Claire Haddad. (2016, June 16). Retrieved October 25, 2021, from https:\/\/clairehaddad.wordpress.com\/biography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Froggatt, M., & Hunter, L. (1980). 10 Side by Side. In Pricetag: Canadian women and the stress of Success<\/em>. essay, Nelson Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Claire Haddad originals from the SFRC collection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

SFRC Accession Number <\/strong>2-948-36-04250<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Title <\/strong>Lounge Outfit<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Style Period <\/strong>1940s<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Designer <\/strong>Claire Haddad<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Label <\/strong>Claire Haddad for Bard’s<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Description<\/strong> Dress has high neck with keyhole in front, over dress is orange brocade with short scalloped sleeves, goes to waist, has bell shaped floor length skirt that extends over back, scalloped edge. Zipper in centre front, underpants are floor length, loose fitting, black silk, wide fit.https:\/\/digitalrepository.senecacollege.ca\/s\/sfrcollectiononline\/item\/3827<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

SFRC Accession Number <\/strong>1-980-18-08142<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Title <\/strong>Gold Evening Ensemble<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Style Period <\/strong>1980s<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Designer <\/strong>Claire Haddad<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Description<\/strong> Gold lace jacket, matching camisole and tie\/sash. Double row of ruffles at the high neckline of the jacket; scalloped edges along centre-front opening and along the hem. Wrists of the jacket have elastic and are decorated with more ruffles. The camisole also has lace edges and an elasticized waist. A 15″ gold lace tie\/sash can be worn around the neck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/digitalrepository.senecacollege.ca\/s\/sfrcollectiononline\/item\/5311<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

SFRC Accession Number <\/strong>1-966-15-02275<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Title <\/strong>Evening Gown And Coat<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Style Period <\/strong>1960s<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Designer <\/strong>Claire Haddad<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Description<\/strong>Three piece ensemble with sleeveless full length coat with single “broach” clasp at bodice. The coat is also lined with matching organza. There is a padded bodice and lined with matching taffeta and the peplum is worn over fitted bodice. The Gown has a “bra” top cut and is also lined with matching taffeta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/digitalrepository.senecacollege.ca\/s\/sfrcollectiononline\/item\/6242<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

SFRC Accession Number<\/strong> 1-970-36-09113<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Title<\/strong> Loungewear<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Style Period<\/strong> 1970s<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Designer<\/strong> Claire Haddad<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Description<\/strong>
Ivory caftan with three-quarter length sleeves and gold embroidery around v-neck, shoulders, and cuffs. The hem has a high slit at centre front, also lined in golden thread embroidery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/digitalrepository.senecacollege.ca\/s\/sfrcollectiononline\/item\/6696<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

SFRC Accession Number<\/strong> 1-970-76-09110<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Title<\/strong> Two-Piece Lingerie Set<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Style Period<\/strong> 1970s<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Designer<\/strong> Claire Haddad<\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/digitalrepository.senecacollege.ca\/s\/sfrcollectiononline\/item\/3684<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

SFRC Accession Number <\/strong>1-970-36-09358<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Title <\/strong>Floor-Length Loungewear<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Style Period <\/strong>1970s<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Designer <\/strong>Claire Haddad<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Description<\/strong> Floor-length long-sleeved cotton dress in grey, black, yellow and white abstract strip print. It has a high neckline with long ties fastened into a large bow. Underneath the bow is an invisible zipper closure and an 18″ vertical opening beginning at the centre-front hem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

SFRC Accession Number <\/strong>1-967-36-01066<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Title <\/strong>White Lace Ensemble<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Style Period <\/strong>1960s<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Designer <\/strong>Claire Haddad<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Description<\/strong> Guipure lace ensemble with sleeveless overdress and pants. The overdress has a high, rounded neckline and large opening on the left side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/digitalrepository.senecacollege.ca\/s\/sfrcollectiononline\/item\/6086<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The full SFRC archive of Claire Haddad can be viewed here:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/digitalrepository.senecacollege.ca\/s\/sfrcollectiononline\/item?fulltext_search=&property%5B0%5D%5Bjoiner%5D=and&property%5B0%5D%5Bproperty%5D=&property%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=in&property%5B0%5D%5Btext%5D=Claire+Haddad&resource_class_id%5B%5D=&item_set_id%5B%5D=1&submit=Search<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

More on Claire and Albert Haddad here:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A Canadian Fashion Dynasty \u2013 Albert and Claire Haddad<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

By Dale Peers<\/p>\n\n\n\n

http:\/\/fashionresourcecentre.com\/?p=397<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cover image: https:\/\/www.theglobeandmail.com\/life\/fashion-and-beauty\/fashion\/claire-haddad-a-designer-who-made-glamourcomfortable\/article30394976\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Dale Peers, It is with sadness that I write this remembrance and offer condolences to the family of Canadian fashion legend, Claire Haddad.  Claire passed away on Tuesday May 17th, 2016, just two months to the day of what would have been her 92nd birthday.  Claire was a \u201cforce majeur\u201d in the Canadian Fashion…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2904,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,41,21,34,2],"tags":[22,33,6,15,50,47,44,46],"class_list":["post-1688","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-canadian-designers","category-canadian-fashion-history","category-seneca-canadian-fashion-diversity","category-seneca-fashion","category-seneca-fashion-resource-centre","tag-canadian-fashion","tag-canadian-fashion-history","tag-claire-haddad","tag-fashion-history","tag-seneca-canadian-fashion-diversity","tag-seneca-college","tag-seneca-fashion","tag-seneca-fashion-resource-centre"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fashionresourcecentre.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1688","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fashionresourcecentre.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fashionresourcecentre.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fashionresourcecentre.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fashionresourcecentre.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1688"}],"version-history":[{"count":41,"href":"https:\/\/fashionresourcecentre.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1688\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2905,"href":"https:\/\/fashionresourcecentre.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1688\/revisions\/2905"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fashionresourcecentre.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2904"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fashionresourcecentre.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1688"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fashionresourcecentre.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1688"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fashionresourcecentre.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1688"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}