Norman Raab, 89; Co-Founded the Villager Women’s Clothing Line
Norman Raab, 89, co-founder of the Villager, a line of women’s clothing popular in the 1950s and early ‘60s, died July 9 at Broward General Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., of complications from pneumonia, according to his brother, Max.
Raab founded Villager with his brother in the late 1950s. The label was known for classic preppy styles, including A-line skirts, cable knit sweaters and Madras blouses. It was associated with college students as well as the suburban country club lifestyle. Specialty stores and upscale boutiques featured the collections.
The Raab brothers added a more youthful division called Ladybug before they sold the business in 1969. The Villager label is now owned by Liz Claiborne.
Raab was born in Philadelphia and attended Penn State University but dropped out before graduating. During World War II he served as a bombardier and navigator in the Army Air Forces.
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