a practical dreamer, 1908-1937

1908-1925
Cashin called herself a “practical dreamer,” the product of her ever-resourceful mother, Eunice, a dressmaker with “miracle hands,” and her artistic, inventive and unpredictable father, Carl. Her first playthings were textile swatches, and she was encouraged to design clothes and costumes at an early age. As influential as her “apprenticeship” in her mother’s dressmaking shops were her family’s frequent moves along the California coastline. She developed a love for travel and a keen eye for the clothing of different cultures that would underpin her later professional work.

Cashin envisioned becoming a writer, artist or ballerina. At age sixteen, she decided that she wanted to become a chorus girl. Just over five feet tall, however, she nervously declined her audition when she saw lines of long legs doing high kicks. Instead, she presented her sketchbook of annotated fashion and costume illustrations to the producers. She was hired immediately.

Girlhood fashion and costume illustrations, 1920-1930
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