JANUARY 2026

THE LEGACY CONTINUES:

The History of Gunne Sax

"Gunne Sax was always about romance and imagination. It wasn’t just what the dresses looked like—it was how they made you feel when you wore them."

– Mary Santoro, Jessica McClintock’s sister

Few fashion labels capture nostalgia quite like Gunne Sax. With flowing skirts, lace-trimmed bodices, and storybook romance, Gunne Sax became one of the most recognizable American fashion brands of the 1970s, and its influence continues to shape fashion today.

Gunne Sax represents more than a look. It represents the feeling of romance, femininity, craftsmanship, and the joy of creating something meaningful. Whether you grew up with these looks, rediscovered them through the vintage craze, or are just starting your sewing journey, there’s something here to explore—and make your own.

Where It All Began

Gunne Sax was started in 1969 in San Francisco, by Jessica McClintock. She later shared that her passion for designing and sewing was inspired by her grandmother.

At the time Jessica McClintock began designing for Gunne Sax, fashion favored sleek modernism. Rather than following the trends of the time, she drew inspiration from the Victorian, Edwardian, and Pioneer eras, reimagining historic silhouettes for a new generation.

For many, a Gunne Sax dress wasn’t just fabric and trim—it was a way to express yourself with confidence, romance, and joy.

"My grandmother was a fabulous pattern maker and designer, and from five years old on, I was sitting at her sewing machine, making anything I could get my hands on."

– Jessica McClintock

"Jessica always believed in honoring the past while making something women could actually live in. That balance was incredibly important to her."

– Mary Santoro

Gunne Sax × Simplicity

In 1974, Gunne Sax partnered with Simplicity, making the brand’s signature styles accessible to home sewists everywhere. Makers could bring these designs to life on their own machines, learning new techniques while creating garments for milestone moments and everyday wear.

And now, the legacy continues—with five patterns designed to bring romantic sewing into your modern-day wardrobe.

A New Chapter: Five Patterns, One Legacy

Five women in colorful dresses posing together.

Today, Gunne Sax returns to Simplicity with a thoughtfully curated collection of five patterns. Each design reflects a different way makers approach sewing—from joyful creativity to everyday wear to heirloom pieces meant to be treasured.

S3212: The Joyful Original

This pattern captures the heart of Gunne Sax. Think ruffles, mixed fabrics, trims, ribbons, and layers. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to rediscover why they fell in love with sewing—and learn how a true Gunne Sax garment is built along the way.

This pattern encourages you to:

  • ✦ Build confidence through classic Gunne Sax construction techniques
  • ✦ Express your creativity with mixed prints, trims, and layered details
  • ✦ Incorporate fabric from your stash

S3213: The Romantic Revival

This design embraces femininity, featuring delicate details like ribbon placement and sheer fabrics finished with thoughtful techniques. It’s both approachable and deeply satisfying.

Woman in a floral dress with long sleeves, posing against a light background.
SEW-ALONG

This pattern encourages you to:

  • ✦ Work with delicate trims and French seams
  • ✦ Slow down and enjoy the process of detail-driven sewing
  • ✦ Sew along with long-time sewist, Amy Scarr
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S3214: The Everyday Gunne

Gunne Sax isn’t just for special occasions—it can be part of your everyday wardrobe, too. This pattern creates versatile pieces designed to mix easily with what you already own. The jacket variation is quilted and more technically involved, making it a rewarding challenge.

This pattern encourages you to:

  • ✦ Building small wardrobe collections
  • ✦ Creating garments you’ll wear again and again 
  • ✦ Mixing and matching 

S3215: The Playful Statement

This pattern is all about creativity, featuring decorative elements and thoughtful details that invite experimentation.

This pattern encourages you to:

  • ✦ Explore color and style playfully
  • ✦ Use techniques like tucks, bias finishes, and lace placement
  • ✦ Step outside your comfort zone by choosing bold fabrics

S3216: The Heirloom Dream

This pattern celebrates craftsmanship and emotion, featuring techniques rooted in history—from corset lacing to hand-stitched eyelets.

This pattern encourages you to:

  • ✦ Create something that feels passed down
  • ✦ Celebrate traditional looks 
  • ✦ Share your Gunne Sax stories with our sewing community 

The Legacy Continues

Gunne Sax has always been about creative spirit, thoughtful construction, and garments that make you feel something.

These patterns invite you to create not just clothing, but stories—reminding us that sewing can be both joyful and meaningful. 

Whether you’re sewing for everyday wear, creative growth, or special moments, there’s

The legacy continues, and we can’t wait to see what you make. Be sure to share your makes by tagging us on Facebook and Instagram.

"It’s wonderful to see new makers discovering Gunne Sax and making these designs their own. That’s how a legacy stays alive."

– Mary Santoro, Jessica McClintock’s sister

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