Midinettes strike delays fashion shows in Paris . The strike of 12,000 midinettes ( sewing girls ) forced the great fashion houses of Paris to postpone their Autumn shows . Mannequins and famous fashion designers are all busy with needle and thread trying to complete some of the models in time for the deadline for the shows on 3 August . Photo shows: Jacques Fath , the famous fashion designer is seen busily at work on one of this dresses . 30 July 1949