Cox arranged Leser's adoption by her cousin Georgine after she and her husband, Charles Shillard-Smith, spent months wintering in California.
Two million dollars worth of art and silver were stolen, including a Picasso and a Monet.
[8] Leser's mother, Georgine Shillard-Smith, founded the Gulf Coast Art Center.
Until it closed in 1942, the store sold resort wear, primarily playsuits and coverups, designed by Leser that she created with the help of a French dressmaker.
The exposition allowed her to sell her designs to department stores Bonwit Teller and Saks Fifth Avenue.
[4] During this phase in her career, Leser promoted hand painted Hawaiian print, sarong-type play clothes, and cashmere dresses.
Star Joan Fontaine said "the only acceptable art of the film was my wardrobe designed by Tina Leser.
[2] Liz Claiborne's began her career as a model and sketch artist for Tina Leser.