Debra Scala Giokas, a long-time member of PRPLI, is also a member of the Society of Children Book Writers and Illustrators. After many years of honing her craft, she has authored a children’s picture book on American Fashion Designer Claire McCardell.
CLAIRE: THE LITTLE GIRL WHO CLIMBED TO THE TOP AND CHANGED THE WAY WOMEN DRESS, illustrated in pen and ink by Mary Ryan Reeves of Claire’s hometown, Frederick, Maryland, illuminates the fashion icon’s story and will empower little girls.
McCardell, who graced the cover of Time Magazine in 1955, brought modern American women sportswear, ballet flats, knit ski caps, hooded jerseys, and pockets.
There is also a companion coloring book called CLAIRE’S CLOSET. Both were published on May 24th, which would have been McCardell’s 116th birthday.
Women’s Wear Daily, Threads Magazine and Frederick Magazine have written about the books.
On October 17th, the Frederick Art Club will honor McCardell, too, with a 7.5’ bronze statue by award-winning sculptor Sarah Hempel Irani that will overlook Carroll Creek Linear Park, a world-class urban park in downtown Frederick. Debra will be at the unveiling.
For further information about the books, visit debrascalagiokas.com, and on the statue, check out the Claire McCardell Project on the Frederick Art Club website at www.frederickartclub.com.
You may also recognize a PRPLI member in the acknowledgements…Tina Panos of Panos Graphics Services.
