Lena Himmelstein: creator of first maternity designs

In 1895, a 16-year-old Jewish orphan from Lithuania named Lena Himmelstein (1877–1951) arrived in New York City and found work in a sweatshop for $1 a week. In 1907, a customer asked Lena to design her something to wear during pregnancy – which was unheard of at a time when pregnant women were usually secluded until after birth. Her dresses were a hit—though she often had to be inventive about advertising. The company „Lane Bryant“ was created in 1904 with maternity designs created by Lithuanian immigrant, and now „Lane Bryant“ is the largest plus-size retailer in the United States.

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