Originator Pattern Books were published by

Originator Publishing Co
Ten West Forty-Sixth Street
New York 19, NY

Started in the fall of 1945, they definitely were a "for the trade" publication--dressmakers, store buyers, dress designers--anyone who wanted to see what the "latest" was for business reasons. These books are great because the sketches in them were done with aim of allowing subscribers the ability to copy the dresses. The firm was always advertising for models to wear the dresses and sketchers to sketch them.

This was one of the better known organizations in a field which was never publicized outside the trade. Tobe' was another concern which did a similar thing, only with much more text.

There were even organizations which provided weekly photographs to subscribers of all the most important window displays in Manhattan. You hardly ever find them, but are they ever a treat when you do!

The first copies were rather crude in their publication.  Simple and rough sketches with more design than detail.  They were punched and held together with yarn.  The books were disposable and were called, Originator Smart Fashions.

The second page of Volume II No 1 states:

"With this ORIGINATOR'S first anniversary number we feel that we may, with propriety, report to our subscribers, who had faith in us fromt eh outset, the progress we have made since our initial number.  This progress has been due, in no small part, to the help, suggestions and encouragement of our subscribers.

ORIGINATOR has increased in sales volume at a lively rate.  The half yearly issue showed a 50% increase over the end of the issue of the first quarter.  The second half of the year shows 150% increase over the first.

The reason for this growing popularity is evident, ORIGINATOR presents a unique and original type of fashion publication.  Furthermore, it's prediction of trends and modes, whether it be suits, dresses, coats, blouses or skirts, has been uncannily accurate. 

We refer to our back issues.  A glance will indicate that, ORIGINATOR has been months in advance of the silhouettes and features of each season.

Our subscription list has an ever increasing number of designers and dressmakers.  This is most gratifying, since it proves to us that our purpose in creating a new fashion publication was sound.  This was stated in our first issue.

ORIGINATOR shall continue this policy.

With Foreign sources again available, ORIGINATOR will include adaptations for American women, of original foreign trends."

By April of 1948 the Originator was offering patterns along with their ideas.

Later publications in the 50's became slicker and glossier with stapled spines and more geared to the public.  The name also changed to Originator Fashions and Patterns.  They were offering patterns as well as design trends.