Finding Aid to the Koret of California Records, 1941-2004

Finding Aid written by Jeffrey P. Sahaida
The Bancroft Library
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, California, 94720-6000
Phone: (510) 642-6481
Fax: (510) 642-7589
Email: bancref@library.berkeley.edu
URL: http://bancroft.berkeley.edu/
© 2007
The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved.

Finding Aid to the Koret of California Records, 1941-2004

Collection Number: BANC MSS 2010/774

The Bancroft Library



University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley, California
Finding Aid Written By:
Jeffrey P. Sahaida
Date Completed:
July 2013
© 2013 The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved.

Collection Summary

Collection Title: Koret of California records
Date (inclusive): 1941-2004
Collection Number: BANC MSS 2010/774
Creator: Koret of California
Extent: Number of containers: 17 oversize boxes, 2 cartons, 1 box Linear feet: 9.7 linear feet
Repository: The Bancroft Library
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, California, 94720-6000
Phone: (510) 642-6481
Fax: (510) 642-7589
Email: bancref@library.berkeley.edu
URL: http://bancroft.berkeley.edu/
Abstract: The Koret of California records document the fashion history of the company, as represented in its rich collection of photographs, portfolios, and advertisements - all of which illustrate the cultural impact and longevity of the company in the fashion industry.
Languages Represented: Collection materials are in English
Physical Location: Many of the Bancroft Library collections are stored offsite and advance notice may be required for use. For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.

Information for Researchers

Access

Collection is open for research.

Publication Rights

Materials in this collection may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). In addition, the reproduction of some materials may be restricted by terms of University of California gift or purchase agreements, donor restrictions, privacy and publicity rights, licensing and trademarks. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of without permission of the copyright owner. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.
All requests to reproduce, publish, quote from, or otherwise use collection materials must be submitted in writing to the Head of Public Services, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley 94720-6000. See: http://bancroft.berkeley.edu/reference/permissions.html .

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Koret of California Records, BANC MSS 2010/774, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley.

Alternate Forms Available

There are no alternate forms of this collection.

Indexing Terms

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.
Koret of California--Archives
Koret, Joseph, d. 1982
Koret, Stephanie, d. 1978
Fashion--California--History--20th Century
Jews--California--San Francisco Bay Area
Photographs.
Clippings.

Administrative Information

Acquisition Information

The Koret of California records were transferred to The Bancroft Library from the Judah L. Magnes Museum in 2010.

Accruals

No additions are expected.

System of Arrangement

Arranged to the folder level.

Processing Information

Processed by Jeffrey Sahaida in 2013.

Organizational History

In 1938, Joseph and Stephanie Koret founded Koret of California, a women's apparel company, in San Francisco, California. Joseph was the salesman and promoter for the company, while Stephanie was in charge of the design end of the business. In 1946, the company introduced the Koret Trikskirt, a pleated skirt, which sold several million pieces.
In the early 1960s, Koret made a major breakthrough when it developed the Koratron permanent press process, which was used to put permanent pleats into clothing. Koret, soon after, licensed the process to many companies, including Levi Strauss. By the mid-1960s, Koret's royalty revenues from its Koratron process had overtaken revenues from its clothing sales. As such, the company went public and changed its name to Koracorp Industries, Inc. In 1966, Stephanie Koret retired from the company. She later died in 1978.
Over the next several years, royalty revenues from the Koratron patent declined as other companies developed their own processes. After a series of unsuccessful acquisitions, the company was near bankruptcy by 1973. Joseph Koret persuaded Thaddeus Taube, a board member and friend, to take over as CEO in an effort to revitalize the company. Joseph Koret took the post as chairman emeritus. By the mid-1970s, Koracorp had recovered value, thanks to real estate investments and new clothing lines, such as the denim sportswear line - Koret City Blues. Joseph Koret died in 1982.
In 1979, Levi Strauss bought Koracorp. Under Levi Strauss, the Koret label continued - developing new profitable lines, such as the Flatter Fit pant. In 1986, Koret management, along with other investors, acquired the label from Levi Strauss, through a leveraged buy out.
Throughout the 1990s, Koret remained an independent private company and continued producing its various women's wear lines. In 1999, Kellwood Company acquired Koret as a subsidiary.

Scope and Content of Collection

The Koret of California Records consist primarily of administrative and advertising materials. The records are divided into two series:
  • Series I: Administrative
  • Series II: Publicity
The administrative files consist of materials documenting the administrative and functional mission of Koret of California. Administrative files include: organizational files, financial materials, clothing design photographs, and clothing line portfolios.
The publicity files contain a variety of materials relating to the public relations and advertising functions of Koret of California including clippings, articles, news releases, catalogs, scrapbooks, photographs, and video cassettes.

 

Series 1 Administrative 1941-2004

Physical Description: Carton 1; Carton 2, folders 1-6; Oversize Boxes 1-7; Oversize Box 8, folder 1; Oversize Boxes 9-14

Arrangement

Folders are arranged in alphabetical and/or chronological order, where appropriate.

Scope and Content Note

This series consists of a variety of materials related to the administrative and functional mission of Koret of California - including organizational files (annual reports, asset appraisements, board minutes); financial materials; clothing design photographs (original photographs of prototype clothing); and clothing line portfolios (photographs of seasonal Koret lines, along with cloth swatches).
 

Organizational Files

Carton 1, Folder 1

Annual and Interim Reports 1966-1975

Carton 1, Folder 2

Appraisement of Koret of California 1958

Carton 1, Folder 3

Appraisement of Marlon, Incorporated 1957

Carton 1, Folder 4-5

Appraisement of Textile Service Company 1957

Carton 1, Folder 6

Appraisement of Textile Service Company, Sub-contract Plants 1958

Carton 1, Folder 7

Articles, By-Laws, and Board Minutes of Francisca of California 1946-1950

Carton 1, Folder 8

Articles, By-Laws, and Board Minutes of Koret Manufacturing Company 1941-1953

Carton 1, Folder 9

Bank Book, Crocker First National 1947

Carton 1, Folder 10

General Correspondence, Memorandums, Notes - includes, Identity Program and New Formats 1965-1968

Carton 1, Folder 11

Koret, Joseph - General Correspondence and News Clippings 1964, 1972-1976

Carton 1, Folder 12

Marketing, Cooperative Advertising Plan 1968

Carton 1, Folder 13

Marketing, Cooperative Advertising Program 1995

Carton 1, Folder 14

Marketing, Harvest Party 1972-1973

Carton 1, Folder 15

Marketing, Merino Wool, Korapel, Teflon Program 1997

Carton 1, Folder 16

Marketing, Terok - Champagne Vacation Promotion 1972

Carton 1, Folder 17

Marketing, Universal, Koret Promotion 1992

 

Clothing Design Photographs

Carton 1, Folder 18

Two Piece Outfits, CAT #1 - CAT #194 1947-1973

Carton 1, Folder 19

Dresses, CAT #195 - CAT #300 1951-1971

Carton 1, Folder 20

Pleated Dresses, CAT #301 - CAT #328 1952-1966

Carton 1, Folder 21

Denim, CAT #329 - CAT #370 1943-1971

Carton 1, Folder 22

Jackets, CAT #371 - CAT #398 1951-1972

Carton 1, Folder 23

Tunics, CAT #399 - CAT #421 1945-1971

Carton 1, Folder 24

Francisca, CAT #422 - CAT #446 1963-1976

Carton 1, Folder 25

Skirts, CAT #447 - CAT #463 1946-1973

Carton 1, Folder 26

Swimsuits, CAT #464 - CAT #477 1946-1963

Carton 1, Folder 27

Trix Skirt (Trikskirt), CAT #478 - CAT #490 1951-1963

Carton 1, Folder 28

Holiday, CAT #491 - CAT #555 1951-1973

Carton 1, Folder 29

Lace, CAT #556 - CAT #568 1951-1969

Carton 1, Folder 30

Popcorn, CAT #569 - CAT #606 1951-1971

Carton 1, Folder 31

Full Skirt, CAT #607 - CAT #633 1954-1960

Carton 1, Folder 32

Pleated Garments, CAT #634 - CAT #700 1946-1972

Carton 1, Folder 33

Vests, CAT #701 - CAT #727 1946-1972

Carton 1, Folder 34

Skirt, CAT #728 1959

Carton 1, Folder 35

Pants and Shorts, CAT #729 - CAT #767 1950-1973

Carton 1, Folder 36

Hats, CAT #768 - CAT #774 1973

Carton 1, Folder 37

Jackets, Dresses, Skirts, Tops, CAT #775 - CAT #783 1952-1973

Carton 1, Folder 38

Sweaters, CAT #784 - CAT #940 1945-1984

Carton 1, Folder 39

Tops and Bottoms, CAT #1411 - CAT #1439 1983-1984

Carton 1, Folder 40

Francisca, CAT #1440 - CAT 1474 1974-1984

Carton 1, Folder 41

Denim, CAT #1475 - CAT #1515 1977-1981

Carton 1, Folder 42

Top, CAT #1516 1981

 

Clothing Line Portfolios, Prints and Swatches

Oversize Box 1, Portfolio 1

Koret Clothing Line Portfolio 1945-1946

Oversize Box 1, Portfolio 2

Koret Clothing Line Portfolio 1947-1948

Oversize Box 2, Portfolio 1

Koret Clothing Line Portfolio 1949-1950

Oversize Box 2, Portfolio 2

Koret Clothing Line Portfolio 1950

Oversize Box 3, Portfolio 1

Koret Clothing Line Portfolio 1951

Oversize Box 3, Portfolio 2

Koret Clothing Line Portfolio 1951

Oversize Box 4, Portfolio 1

Koret Clothing Line Portfolio 1951-1952

Oversize Box 4, Portfolio 2

Koret Clothing Line Portfolio 1952

Oversize Box 5, Portfolio 1

Koret Clothing Line Portfolio 1953

Oversize Box 5, Portfolio 2

Koret Clothing Line Portfolio 1954-1955

Oversize Box 6, Portfolio 1

Koret Clothing Line Portfolio 1955

Oversize Box 6, Portfolio 2

Koret Clothing Line Portfolio 1955

Oversize Box 7, Portfolio 1

Koret Clothing Line Portfolio 1955

Oversize Box 7, Portfolio 2

Koret Clothing Line Portfolio 1955

Carton 1, Folder 43

Kellwood's Beliza Line 2003-2004

Oversize Box 8, Folder 1

Beliza Sketch Designs 2004

Carton 1, Folder 44

Colored Key Portfolio undated

 

Clothing, General

Carton 1, Folder 45-46

Hang Tags and Labels circa 1970-2000

Carton 2, Folder 1-2

Hang Tags and Labels (continued) circa 1970-2000

Carton 2, Folder 3

Hang Tags and Labels, Botany Line 1959

Carton 2, Folder 4

Hang Tags and Labels, Koratron 1968

Carton 2, Folder 5

Hang Tags and Labels, Koratron Pre-Print Inventory Blank 1968

Carton 2, Folder 6

Loose Hang Tags and Labels circa 1950-1970

 

Financial Ledgers

Oversize Box 9, Ledger 1

Billing and Transfer Ledger 1943-1947

Oversize Box 9, Ledger 2

Vouchers Payable Ledger 1943-1947

Oversize Box 10, Ledger 1

Koret Knit Contractors, Backing Sheets 1945

Oversize Box 11, Ledger 1

Textile Service Company, Cash and Journal Ledger 1945-1947

Oversize Box 12, Ledger 1

GEM Realty Corporation Ledger 1945-1963

Oversize Box 13, Ledger 1

Cash in Bank Ledger 1950-1961

Oversize Box 14, Ledger 1

General Journal Ledger 1959-1963

 

Series 2 Publicity circa 1945-2004

Physical Description: Carton 2, folders 7-47; Oversize Box 8, folders 2-5; Oversize Boxes 15-17; Box 1

Arrangement

Folders are arranged in alphabetical and/or chronological order, where appropriate.

Scope and Content Note

This series consists of materials related to the public relations and advertising functions of Koret of California - including advertising campaign materials (clippings, articles, news releases); catalogs; scrapbooks; photographs (for public release and of internal functions); and video cassettes (production videos, sales presentations, focus groups, and various other promotions).
 

Advertising - Campaign Clippings, Articles, News Releases

Oversize Box 15, Folder 1

Advertising Clippings and Articles 1947-1948

Carton 2, Folder 7

Advertising Clippings and Articles 1949

Carton 2, Folder 8

Advertising Clippings and Articles 1951

Carton 2, Folder 9

Advertising Clippings and Articles 1952

Carton 2, Folder 10

Advertising Clippings and Articles 1953

Carton 2, Folder 11

Advertising Clippings and Articles 1954

Carton 2, Folder 12

Advertising Clippings and Articles 1955

Carton 2, Folder 13

Advertising Clippings and Articles 1956

Carton 2, Folder 14

Advertising Clippings and Articles 1957

Carton 2, Folder 15

Advertising Clippings and Articles 1958

Carton 2, Folder 16

Advertising Clippings and Articles 1959

Oversize Box 15, Folder 2

Advertising Clippings and Articles 1951-1959

Oversize Box 15, Folder 3

Advertising Clippings and Articles 1958-1959

Oversize Box 15, Folder 4

Advertising Clippings and Articles circa 1951-1959

Carton 2, Folder 17

Advertising Clippings and Articles circa 1951-1959

Carton 2, Folder 18

Advertising Clippings and Articles 1960

Carton 2, Folder 19

Advertising Clippings and Articles 1962

Carton 2, Folder 20

Advertising Clippings and Articles 1964

Oversize Box 15, Folder 5

Advertising Clippings and Articles 1964

Carton 2, Folder 21

Advertising Clippings and Articles 1965

Oversize Box 15, Folder 6

Advertising Clippings and Articles 1965

Carton 2, Folder 22

Advertising Clippings and Articles, William K. Warnock 1965

Carton 2, Folder 23-27

Advertising Clippings and Articles 1966

Oversize Box 15, Folder 7

Advertising Clippings and Articles 1966

Carton 2, Folder 28

Advertising Clippings and Articles 1967

Carton 2, Folder 29

Advertising Clippings and Articles 1968

Oversize Box 15, Folder 8

Advertising Clippings and Articles 1967-1968

Oversize Box 15, Folder 9

Advertising Clippings and Articles 1970-1978

Carton 2, Folder 30

Advertising Clippings and Articles 1987, 1995

Carton 2, Folder 31

Advertising Clippings and Articles undated

Oversize Box 15, Folder 10

Advertising Clippings and Articles undated

 

Advertising - Catalogs

Oversize Box 8, Folder 2

1987-1988 Season 1987

Carton 2, Folder 32

1995 Season 1994-1995

 

Advertising - Scrapbooks

Oversize Box 8, Folder 3

Untitled, Botany Line circa 1959

Oversize Box 8, Folder 4

What's the Attraction circa 1960

Carton 2, Folder 33-34

Adler, Jerry Scrapbook 1961-1965

Carton 2, Folder 35

Ideas Unlimited undated

Oversize Box 8, Folder 5

Running Numbers undated

 

Photographs

Carton 2, Folder 36

Art, General Photographs undated

Carton 2, Folder 37

Foster, John undated

Carton 2, Folder 38

Koret, Joseph - General Events circa 1950-1970

Carton 2, Folder 39

Koret, Joseph - Head Shots circa 1950-1970

Carton 2, Folder 40

Koret, Stephanie circa 1945-1955

Carton 2, Folder 41

Maid of Cotton, Fashion Show 1965

Carton 2, Folder 42

Partida, Richard undated

Carton 2, Folder 43

Sales Contest - Koret, Joseph; Koret, Stephanie; and others circa 1960-1965

Carton 2, Folder 44

Warnock, William K. circa 1965

 

Photograph Albums

Carton 2, Folder 45

Untitled Award's Ceremony circa 1980-1989

Carton 2, Folder 46-47

Untitled Event circa 1980-1989

 

Video Cassettes

Oversize Box 16, Cassette 1

Bratten, Fern - Motivator, Educator, Entertainer undated

Oversize Box 16, Cassette 2

Bratten, Fern and Kelly Burns - Muskegon Store Tour undated

Oversize Box 16, Cassette 3

California School of Professional Fabric Design, Rotary Screen Heat Transfer Printing undated

Oversize Box 16, Cassette 4

CHH Video - July 2, 1993 1993

Oversize Box 16, Cassette 5

CHH Video - August 9, 1993 1993

Oversize Box 16, Cassette 6

Design Segments - October 7, 1998 1998

Oversize Box 16, Cassette 7

Design Segments - October 7, 1998 1998

Oversize Box 16, Cassette 8

Dillards Broadcast Rundown - March 12, 1999 1999

Oversize Box 16, Cassette 9

Essence of Retail undated

Oversize Box 16, Cassette 10

Fashion Specialist undated

Oversize Box 16, Cassette 11

Flatter Fit undated

Oversize Box 16, Cassette 12

Flatter Fit undated

Oversize Box 16, Cassette 13

Focus Groups, May/June 2004

Oversize Box 16, Cassette 14

Focus Groups, May/June 2004

Oversize Box 16, Cassette 15

Focus Groups, May/June 2004

Oversize Box 16, Cassette 16

Home Shopping Show Clips undated

Oversize Box 16, Cassette 17

JC Penney and Koret Flatter Fit Pant undated

Oversize Box 16, Cassette 18

Korapel - June 20, 1995 1995

Oversize Box 16, Cassette 19

Korapel - January 8, 1998 1998

Oversize Box 16, Cassette 20

Korapel undated

Oversize Box 16, Cassette 21

Korapel, Koret Introduces undated

Oversize Box 16, Cassette 22

Korapel, News Clips undated

Oversize Box 16, Cassette 23

Koret, 1938-1998 circa 1998

Oversize Box 16, Cassette 24

Koret, Fall 1987 - Dupont Solos Renaissance 1987

Oversize Box 16, Cassette 25

Koret, Fall 1987 - Sales Meeting Presentation 1987

Oversize Box 16, Cassette 26

Koret, Fall 1989 1989

Oversize Box 16, Cassette 27

Koret, Spring/Summer 1988 - Women's Sizes 1988

Oversize Box 16, Cassette 28

Land's End Productions, Demo Reel - November 6, 2003 2003

Oversize Box 17, Cassette 1

Levey Marketing, Women's Apparel undated

Oversize Box 17, Cassette 2

Muppet Meeting Films undated

Oversize Box 17, Cassette 3

Napa Studio Program undated

Oversize Box 17, Cassette 4

Napa Valley, Dillards Medialink - January 21, 1993 1993

Oversize Box 17, Cassette 5

Napa Valley, Dillards - September 21, 1993 1993

Oversize Box 17, Cassette 6

Napa Valley, Dillards - September 21, 1993 1993

Oversize Box 17, Cassette 7

Napa Valley, Dillards, Kim Williams - March 30, 1994 1994

Oversize Box 17, Cassette 8

Napa Valley, Dillards - March 18, 1997 1997

Oversize Box 17, Cassette 9

Napa Valley, Dillards - October 14, 1997 1997

Oversize Box 17, Cassette 10

Napa Valley - March 17, 1998 1998

Oversize Box 17, Cassette 11

Napa Valley, Dillards - October 21, 1998 1998

Oversize Box 17, Cassette 12

Napa Valley - October 1998 1998

Oversize Box 17, Cassette 13

Napa Valley - October 1998 1998

Oversize Box 17, Cassette 14

Napa Valley, Dupont Teflon (Beta) - October 1998 1998

Oversize Box 17, Cassette 15

Napa Valley - March 12, 1999 1999

Oversize Box 17, Cassette 16

Napa Valley - March 15, 2000 2000

Oversize Box 17, Cassette 17

Napa Valley, Dillards - March 20, 2002 2002

Oversize Box 17, Cassette 18

Napa Valley, Spring/Summer 2004

Oversize Box 17, Cassette 19

Napa Valley, Spring/Summer 2004

Oversize Box 17, Cassette 20

Napa Valley Program undated

Oversize Box 17, Cassette 21

Napa Valley / Napa Studio programs undated

Oversize Box 17, Cassette 22

Petites and Women's Sizes, Individual Presentations 1988

Oversize Box 17, Cassette 23

Print Production - March 12, 1999 1999

Oversize Box 17, Cassette 24

Saks Production, January 1999 1999

Oversize Box 17, Cassette 25

Separate Impressions, American with Alka Seltzer undated

Box 1, Cassette 1

Separate Impressions, Pant Video undated

Box 1, Cassette 2

Separate Impressions, Pant Video undated

Box 1, Cassette 3

Separate Impressions, Whatever Shape - Flatter Fit undated

Box 1, Cassette 4

Webb/Rich Assoc., The Quality of Style - December 19, 1985 1985

Box 1, Cassette 5

Wessling Creative and Bars-N-Tone undated

Box 1, Cassette 6

What Having Fun is All About, Universal Studios Spot undated