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Written by coutureallurevintage.com
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GODCHAUX'S
Leon Godchaux emmigrated to America from France in 1836 at the age of 12. He peddled notions on foot to the plantations around New Orleans and opened his first dry goods store at the age of 15, 40 miles north of New Orleans. By 1865, the store had moved to Canal Street in New Orleans and made men's clothing. After the Civil War, the store continued to be operated by family members, while Leon went on to become the wealthiest sugar merchant in the South.
In 1926, Leon's grandson moved the store to its final location at 826-828 Canal St. and changed its image to an exclusive emporium catering to the middle and upper classes. He also added women's and children's clothing, jewelry, linens, and home accessories. Famous designers would make guest appearances and the windows featured high end exclusive items such as a pair of black suede shoes adorned with diamonds for $45,000.
Godchaux's eventually expanded to the suburbs and added inventory for customers of more modest means. The company went bankrupt in 1986.
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from a late 1940s dress
Courtesy of coutureallurevintage.com
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