Page 3 - Da Vinci Blue Collar Line Sheet

History of the Brand
Da Vinci California 1952 was founded by The Berke family in 1952, but it had produced high-quality leisure
shirts since the 1940s. In 1952, Da Vinci California quickly became the style and choice for the swinging Rat
Pack members. Frank, Dean, and Sammy can’t get enough, and the rest of Hollywood are quick to follow. The
1950s Da Vinci shirts were mainly Rayon Gabardine flap pocket shirts in solids and patterns. The late 50s and
early 60s shirts are the most collected. These shirts have color blocking, striping, and embroidery and are
usually made using the iconic Shirley fabrics.
The Berkes sold the business to Milton Glaser of Bercktowne Corp., and on June 27, 1972, they filed an
application for the DA VINCI CALIFORNIA logo in class 25, claiming a first date of use of 1961—the application
registers on May 7, 1974.
In the late 60s / early 70s, Da Vinci of California added two labels - Scene III by Da Vinci and Da Vinci presents
Delfina. In his Coffee Table Book about Da Vinci California, John Cosgrove describes them as “Scene III” being
very Greg Brady, while “Delfina” was more Mr. Brady. The first is groovy, targeted to teenagers and young men,
and the latter is less trendy, appealing to a more mature audience. There have been several other labels, and
John continues to find the odd sub-label occasionally and will include them in the book.