Panama City News-Herald from Panama City, Florida • Page 19

By DORIS What happens when French creativeness meets American ingenuity; 1 good example of the results is demonstrated by Renee Marciel, fascinating designer and manufacturer Of high fashion style. Renee, who was born in Lyons. France, is a comparative newcomer. both to America and to the field of designing. Although Renee always had -a flair for designing she never made a living at it until she came to America in 1946 However, she was trained for fashion work at the Beau Arts School at Lyons When Renee landed in New York in 196 she was faced with the problem of making a living in a strange country.

Her first experience was selling sketches to fashion firms in the clothing district of New York City. During this period Renee taught herself, the rudiments of draping, cutting and 'fitting. To Miami in 1946 Renee moved to Miami late in 1946 and wjent to work for one of the lead- ing designers there Renee was anxious to try her own wings though and she purchased several yards of fairies in a department store and designed her own line consisting of six dresses. She was her own cutter, draper, salesman as well as designer. Her first order came from Minna Lee, one of Miracle Mile's most famous stores.

Renee Marciel Originals were on their way! With no financial backing and with only her ideas. Renee began her own business. It was while she was trying to sell her line to one of the Lincoln Road dress shops that she met Arthur Gottlieb. Gottlieb was managing the store and he immediately saw in Renee's designs an unusual flair and spark. Gottlieb left his job to go into business and the firm of Renee Marciel Originals was formed.

The factory first opened its doors in 1948 and employed two persons other than Renee and Gottlieb. Thirty Employees Now In just three years the volume has Top Renee spends mast of her time in the factory or behind the drawing board. She supervises every detail going into the manufacture of her designs. Shown here at her drawing table, she wears casual Florida clothes during working hours. This stunning outfit linen "little boy shorts" and dolman sleeved blouse are Renee Marciel Originals.

Left Reene Marciel in one of her own creations, a cotton -smartly tailored and perfect for Florida living. more than quadrupled and the factory payrolls include 30 persons. Renee Marcial Originals are shipped throughout the country. South America, Canada and Hawaii. Renee herself is as fascinating and interesting as her designs She is of average height with long, black wavy hair and dark eyes Her face is interesting and as ever changing as her modes.

She has the temperament and moodiness often found in the truly creative Young and glamorous -her designs reflect her French up- Yow haven't seen Florida until you've scon bringing and interesting background. Miss Marciel's designs are mostly high style cocktail and afternoon fashions. However, her casual line is most unusual also, svith definite influences and a flair for the dramatic Renee revisits Paris every year so, that her Florida inspired fashions will have just the slightest flavor of couturier styles Arthur Gottlieb and Renee Marcie! are indeed marvelous examples of what hard work, genuine talent and faith in that talent will produce. No other resort City in the world offers such glamour, such magnificent hotels and apartment buildings, such famous shopping centers, so many fine restaurants and interesting sightseeing trips and attractions as Miami Beach. Don't fail to see it while you are in Florida.

Remember rates are amazingly low this time of year. 379 hotels 1,809 apartraaa't buildings offer tow Summer UBS Message i Prepared and PefcHstsed bj tiia City Goraaraani of SHaJsi.