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).
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 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
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
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
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
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 36
Art, General Photographs
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 43
Sales Contest - Koret, Joseph; Koret, Stephanie; and others
circa 1960-1965
Carton 2, Folder 44
Warnock, William K.
circa 1965
Carton 2, Folder 45
Untitled Award's Ceremony
circa 1980-1989
Carton 2, Folder 46-47
Untitled Event
circa 1980-1989
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
Oversize Box 16, Cassette 12
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
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
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