Creed's family business was in Paris, where they claimed to have introduced women to tailor-mades in the late 19th century.
Charles continued in tailoring, studing with a master tailor in Vienna, at Linton Tweeds in Carlisle and then a period in retail at Bergdorff Goodman in America. In the late 30s he began working at the House of Creed in Paris but found it dreadfully old-fashioned, so when the Nazis entered Paris he left for London. During the war he designed for the initial Utility collection and went several times to the United States to promote British couture abroad. His military service was spent in the Artillery and at the same time designed for Fortnum & Mason.
After the war he opened his own house in Basil Street Knightsbridge and with contacts in America became quickly successful. He married Pat Cunningham, who modelled for him but changed career and became fashion editor at Vogue. He was one of the first English couturiers to open a diffusion line. His memoirs 'Maid To Measure' are highly entertaining, if not particularly accurate.
His mature style is greatly influenced by military and male tailoring.
From Shopping News April 1948. Click for Big.
From Shopping News April 1948. Click for Big.
From Shopping News April 1948. Click for Big.
Shopping News 1946
Vogue September 1950
Vogue February 1961
Eve's Journal November 1937
