Shirley of Hollywood Closing

Shirley of Hollywood is closing. The California lingerie company had its beginnings as an intimate apparel components business started in New York in 1948 by Herman Schlobohm. Noting that there were “many factors and considerations” that went into the decision, the company’s Dana Schlobohm, Herman’s granddaughter, told BODY that “when the economic climate severely changed and the exorbitant costs associated with running a business in California severely hampered our business operations, we had to make the painstaking decision to cease our operations and to close down our multi--generational company.”

The business, which was a key supplier to the intimates industry for decades, produced a wide range of bras, panties, gowns, teddies and hosiery. The offerings were for years displayed in multiple, often annual print editions of glossy catalogs of enormous length. 

Herman brought his business, organized as National Corset Supply House, to California. Eventually he welcomed sons Jon and Roy into the family enterprise in 1960 and 1961 respectively. According to family history, in “1966, after years of manufacturing components for lingerie, the Schlobohms decided to put the pieces together and manufacture their own lingerie.” Four years later they “purchased the Shirley of Hollywood name from a retiring customer and expanded their product line to include corsets, bustiers, baby dolls, chemises, bras, panties, thongs, stockings, pajamas, lounge wear and more. With Roy overseeing production and design and Jon handling operations and finances, the company continued to expand and innovate, adding new products and new collections.”

A third generation of Schlobohms joined the business in the 1980’s including Dana Schlobohm-Walczuk (design and marketing); Eric Schlobohm (sales); Kirk Schlobohm (quality control and international production); and Ron Schlobohm (domestic production).

In a message prepared for BODY, Dana stated, “to all our of our wonderful friends and business partners, with a heavy heart, we are announcing that our company, Shirley of Hollywood, will closing down our operations.” She continued, “I, Dana Schlobohm Walczuk, want to express my gratitude to my family for creating the most dynamic lingerie company for which i am so grateful to have been a part. I came into the business in 1984 where I feel so blessed to have been able to work with my uncle Jon and soon after my brother, Kirk, cousins Ron and Eric and my mother, Bobbie.”

“Shirley of Hollywood was an iconic company manufacturing sexy lingerie and corsets plus many other apparel categories. We were proud to serve the industry and our customers with quality lingerie with our motto that the customer always comes first. I was so proud to represent our company and was afforded the rewarding opportunities to work with so many wonderful buyers.”

“We manufactured lines for many celebrities, we created many private label divisions for customers, we sold to all the majors, but our main focus was always for the independent small retailers where we found the utmost loyalty and to be the most rewarding. When the trade shows came into play, that was the highlight for me. In time, I was able to design our marvelous booths and to work, in person, with our fabulous sales reps and their customers. Working with our reps and the customers felt like an extension of my family.”

“I got to travel the world with my father to seek out new designs and manufacturing and those memories i will always hold near and dear to my heart. What an amazing opportunity I had and I am forever grateful.” She concluded, “My father said to me, “Dana, Baby---We had a good run!” And, WE DID!! Thanks to all of you.”