She is credited with inventing the poodle skirt, a popular fashion item in the post-war era.
The poodle skirt was a wide-swing seamless felt garment in a solid color with a bold design, often featuring a poodle attached to the fabric.
In 1951, Queen Elizabeth II wore a poodle skirt themed "Romeo and Juliet" to a hoedown in Ottawa with Prince Philip.
Charlot, who was struggling financially as a newlywed at the time, created the iconic poodle skirt out of necessity when she had nothing to wear for a Hollywood Christmas party in 1947.
Initially, she couldn't sew but with her mother's help, she crafted the skirt from a large piece of felt, kickstarting the trend.
The poodle skirt gained popularity quickly, with various designs like trees, flowers, and dogs adorning them.
Charlot's innovative designs were a hit and the poodle skirt became a fashion sensation.
Despite facing financial challenges, she pursued her passion for fashion design, evolving her creations and even designing outfits for special events like Dwight Eisenhower's 1956 election campaign.
Born Shirley Ann Agin in 1922 in New York, Charlot's journey in the fashion industry was marked by creativity and resilience.
Apart from the poodle skirt, she designed bridal wear, sweaters, hats, and handbags.
Over the years, she continued to create unique pieces and remained a prominent figure in the fashion world.
Charlot's legacy extended beyond the poodle skirt era, inspiring designers for years to come.
She led an eventful life, with experiences ranging from performing with the Xavier Cugat orchestra to designing stage clothes for herself.
Despite facing personal challenges, Charlot's creative spirit and determination shone through in her work and she left a mark on the fashion industry.
On March 3, 2024, Juli Lynne Charlot passed away, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and creativity in the world of fashion.