Carrie Munn

Carrie Munn, a designer who created custom clothes for women in the 1940's and 50's, died of a stroke Wednesday at Presbyterian Hospital. She was in her 80's and lived in Manhattan.

Mrs. Munn was best known for her feminine designs, which featured billowing skirts and slim waists and used lace, sequins and ribbon. She also designed ready-to-wear clothes.

She was born in Buffalo and in 1924 married Orson D. Munn, who was the editor and publisher of Scientific American magazine until he sold his interest in 1947. Mr. Munn died in 1958.

In 1942, without any formal training in fashion design, Mrs. Munn opened a dress shop, Carrie Munn, at 640 Madison Avenue. Among her most popular designs was a quilted tapestry skirt decorated with sequins. Mrs. Munn was known for her parties at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, which featured shows of her most recent designs.

Mrs. Munn is survived by a son, Orson D. of Manhattan; a sister, Alberta Nunder of Colorado Springs, and two grandchildren.