Lois Ehlert × Florence Eiseman:
The Art of Childhood
Two Milwaukee Originals
Before Lois Ehlert became a celebrated children’s book author and illustrator, her creative work was already part of the Florence Eiseman story.
Florence Eiseman commissioned the Milwaukee artist to design the flower logo that would become one of the brand’s most recognizable symbols. Ehlert also created several original appliqués for Florence Eiseman garments, bringing the bold shapes, joyful color and playful imagination that would later become hallmarks of her beloved books to children’s clothing.
An archival letter from Judy Eiseman recalls the story behind Ehlert’s creation of the iconic flower—a small but meaningful piece of the shared history between two Milwaukee originals.
Decades later, that creative connection continues with a collection that brings Ehlert’s artwork to a new generation.
From Original Artwork to Children’s Clothing
At the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design’s exhibition celebrating Lois Ehlert in 2024, vintage Florence Eiseman garments featuring her original designs offered a glimpse into an early chapter of her creative career.
In collaboration with the Milwaukee Art Museum, we honor our shared history in a remarkable full-circle moment: artwork created decades ago now reimagined in celebration of the art of childhood.
A celebration of color, imagination and timeless design, these special pieces carry a little piece of our shared history forward for a new generation to wear, love and remember.
