A company called Moskowitz Brothers exhibited at the Second National Merchandise Fair, held July 23- August 3, 1923 at the Grand Central Palace, New York City. (New York Times May 3, 1923, page 9) The retaionship of this firm to MM is, as yet, unclear.

"In 1948, Morris organized Morris Moskowitz Corp. and thus began the saga of "MM." "(June 1961 "Handbags & Accessories," page 76.)

The 1950s

Accessory market round-up

"Small evening bags in luxurious satins, velvets, and brocades are offered by Morris Moscowitz. Among them is a neat tailored satin pouch with a flap that is adaptable to any type of jewel trim. It comes in a myriad colors. A double handled bucket bag has a sloping circular top lined with a large round mirror."
"Handbags & Accessories" October 1955, page 36

Out of the bag
by ALICE D. FEINSOD

"ROVERS: Back from Europe are Morris Moscowitz of MM. whose trip, though a quickie, gave him a broad view of new European handbag collections." "Handbags & Accessories" October 1955, page 43

The 1960s

MM's Fall 1954 line featured glowing jeweltone. (July 1954 Handbags & Accessories, page 33)

A prime example of the "fake fur" novelty bag!

John Wanamaker in Philadelphia held a full on "Accessorama" in March 1955, launching Spring Accessories with an emphasis on azalea pinks, delphinium blues, nasturtium and narcissus white in all ready-to-wear departments. Company presidents visited, showing their entire lines. This full page ad from the Philadelphia newspaper featured Koret Handbags. The ad text reads "MM does Handbags at Accessorama. pinks, Delphinium blues, azalea pinks and sunny nasturtium colors! Mr Morris Moskowitz, President of MM, will present the gayest, smartest handbags ever, designed especially for us. $7.98 to $15.00"

Other exhibitors were Murray Rothenberg, president of Monet, Louis Kraussman, Vice President of Trifari, Mr. Koret and Mr. Henry Gould of Koret Handbags KoretInc and Otto Kraker of Van Raalt Gloves.

Accessory market round-up

"Morris Moskoivitz continues to do a good job on a split bottom classic clutch with jewel knob close in satin, velvet and brocade. The inside story features cream satin lining contrasted with color. A rounded gold chained pouch is suspended from a side close brass frame shaped like an inverted V. In many colors and fabrics to retail about $7.95." (Handbags & Accessories December 1955, page 34)

Bags for Spring 1956 were presented on January 3, 1956 by agreement as a member of the National Authority for the Ladies Handbag Industry. 1956NationalAuthorityMembers

The 1960s

Morris Moskowitz was features in the "VETERANS OF THE INDUSTRY" feature in the June 1961 issue of "Handbags & Accessories," page 76.

Morris Moskowitz

"MM" is the trademark. Morris Moskowitz is the man. Both have the same identity in the handbag industry — high quality, fashion-wise fabric handbags. Morris is a perfectionist and insists that every handbag bearing the "MM" label must leave the house with the same high degree of excellence that is associated with a work of art. One of the most interesting things about this impeccably dressed and well-groomed man is his sentimental eye for old-world attention to quality.
Morris started his business career at the age of 14 as an errand boy for Dritz-Traum, a company in the fancy goods business. The lessons Morris learned in those formative years were indelibly impressed, and are characteristic of "MM" today. After an apprenticeship that encompassed all phases of the fancy goods business, Morris, associated in the founding of Garay & Co., Inc. in 1937 Garay. At about this time he was smitten with the handbag industry, and it has been a labor of love ever since.
In 1948, Morris organized Morris Moskowitz Corp. and thus began the saga of "MM." From an errand boy to President of his own company is a giant step that took courage, faith and conviction. Adherence to the finest principles of doing business is as much a trademark of the firm as is the "MM." In this age of specialists, Morris has concentrated on fabric handbags of every kind and nature. He seeks out the unusual. He marches from one end of Italy's warps to the other end of France's woofs looking for the rare and uncommon. He is always ready to try the unfamiliar and the unconventional. He feels that the fabric commands the shape of the handbag, a novel approach that leads to a constant stream of new styles with "MM" labels. The "MM" Company is an integrated team. In addition to Morris, there is Elizabeth Strauss who is responsible with Morris for styling the line, Jerry Moskowitz who looks after sales and Frank Brass who is in charge of production and administration.
Morris has been the recipient of many honors and awards for his style leadership in the fashion field. He received the Schiffli Fashion Award in 1957, the I960 Lord and Taylor Award for creative contributions by American designers and was selected by Hutzler Bros, for special commendation.
Morris and his wife, Adeline are active at the Congregation Shaaray Tefila of Far Rockaway. Mrs. Moskowitz is an officer of the Sisterhood. Judy, their daughter, rounds out the family and is a June graduate of Elmira College.

Makers