ALEX COLMAN

Alex Colman got his start in the fashion industry as a teenage stock boy in 1928, working at L. Bamberger & Co. After attending art classes, he worked as a buyer first at Strawbridge & Clothier, and then at the May Company.  In 1947, Colman's wife, Sade Colman, started a men's pajama manufacturing business, but it was not successful, and she soon switched production to women's blouses.

 In 1949, Colman joined his wife in her business, and "Alex Colman California" was born. They were producers of quality sportswear, co-ordinates, and casual dresses in the California style. For many years, the head designer at Alex Colman was Sade's sister, Blanche Lefton.

Alex Colman Inc. the parent company of Alex Colman of California and Mr. Alex, the women's large size division, became a public company in 1968. In 1973, Alex Colman
Inc. merged with Borden Inc.  Alex Colman of California went on to be
one of the largest better woman's apparel manufacturers in the country. I, as
president of the company left in 1976. Alex Colman Inc. was eventually closed
sometime in the mid 1980s. Robert Colman

Thanks to Robert Colman for helping with the information in this entry.