“PASSING FASHIONS”-- EARLY TRANSGENDER / "CROSSDRESSING" FASHION CATALOG, PRESENTED AT THE 1989 INTERNATIONAL GENDER EDUCATION FOUNDATION CONVENTION

"PASSING FASHIONS" BUYERS NOTE AND ILLUSTRATED WOMEN'S LINGERIE CATALOG. [Torrance, CA]: Passing Fashions, 1989. Original lingerie catalog and introductory “Buyers Note,” aimed at the "crossdressing" and "transvestite" communities [reflecting the language at the time]. The catalog features 90% female models, so does not present as cross-gender but the company’s introductory note expressly states that the business is owned by two self-identified women, one of whom also self-identifies as a “cross dresser” for over 25 years. They also reference the Educational Transvestite Chapter and the International Foundation for Gender Education, the latter of which was hosting the "Coming Together" convention where the company was presenting. The author also explains with considerable nuance some of the challenges faced by them and their potential customers, e.g. safety, respect, empathy, financial security, etc. The catalog and introductory note measure 8.5 x 11 inches, and are 64 and 4 pages, respectively, with “Passing Fashions Sensuous Lingerie” price list tipped onto inside rear cover, illustrated throughout reproducing color photographs of female models in lingerie (plus a few pages including male models). From the separate 4-page introductory “Buyer’s Note #1”: “As of April 3, 1989 Passing Fashions is one month old. We are so new that IFGE (International Foundation for Gender Education), the local ETVC (Educational Transvestite Chapter) and the gender conscious community at large really don’t know much about us… Passing Fashions is a partnership between two motivated entrepreneurs, Mary Tomblin and Amanda Williams. We both own other businesses dealing with mail order products and retail womens apparel. We decided to combine Mary’s 25 years of wholesale buying and retail selling with my 9 years of marketing and business management and of course my 25 years of cross dressing… We are going to concentrate on your feminine appearance, your self-esteem and your feelings of security… Our product line will eventually include everything that the discriminating male or female needs to put their most feminine appearance forward. Entering the market we will be featuring a collection of prosthesis, (breast forms) panties, bras, foundations, stockings, skirts, blouses and dresses for everyday wear as well as a collection of lingerie.” She closes noting that 300 copies of this note were printed to distribute at the International Foundation for Gender Education’s 3rd annual “Coming Together” Convention, being held in San Francisco. It’s interesting to note the use of the terms “transvestite” and “crossdressing” in the company’s introductory literature, reflecting the language of the time. It appears that this illustrated lingerie catalog was by another (unnamed) clothing manufacturer, being used by Passing Fashions, with their price list tipped onto inside back cover, accompanied by their "Buyer's Note #1." Very good condition, with light wear. NB: Given the current state of civil rights in our country, this early trans fashion catalog represents an important primary source documenting the history of the fight for gay rights, transexual rights, trans dignity, and trans fashion. Happy Pride!