Discovering the Estate of Seattle Designer Howard Blair

One of the unexpected joys of sourcing vintage textiles is that sometimes the materials come with an incredible story.

At one Seattle estate sale, I discovered the home and belongings of Howard Blair, a mid-century Seattle fashion designer known for creating elegant eveningwear, bridal gowns, and even fur coats. His designs were worn by Seafair princesses during Seattle’s annual summer festival, and his bridal work was carried by the iconic downtown department store Frederick & Nelson.

Today, pieces of Blair’s work are preserved in the collection of the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI), making the discovery of his estate feel like stumbling into a small but fascinating chapter of Seattle fashion history.

Blair lived in this home with his mother for most of his life, and stepping inside felt like entering a preserved world of mid-century glamour. The house itself reflected his dramatic sense of style: the living room ceiling was painted with Italianate-style frescoes, and a chandelier hung beneath a ring of gilded cherub sculptures mounted directly to the ceiling.

Scattered throughout the home were glimpses of his creative life—beautiful fashion sketches, personal photographs, a huge collection of local artwork (including floral still life paintings by Behira Davis) and my favorite: a framed self-portrait from his youth. It hangs in my own studio now.

But what caught my eye most were the extraordinary upholstery fabrics he had collected. Rich textures and dramatic patterns filled the space—materials he had intended to use to decorate his elaborate home.

For someone who spends a lot of time searching for remarkable textiles, moments like this are unforgettable. Fabrics like these carry history with them, and discovering them feels a bit like uncovering a hidden archive of design.

Moments like this are part of the magic of working with vintage materials. You never quite know what history a fabric might carry with it—or where it might lead next.

If you’re curious about the many unexpected places I discover materials like this, you can read more about where I find the fabrics for my bags.