Of fairy tales and fashion
September 30th, 2009 § 6 Comments
I admit it, I am a dreamer. I have a huge soft spot for fairy tales and all things fantastical. So naturally the fifties and sixties are my fashion nivarna. It was also my Nana’s heyday. A time when war-weary women craved a little glamour. They wanted to be as elegant and unique as their favourite screen sirens, Marilyn, Audrey and Grace. In 1947 Dior gave it to them. And for the first time, mass production placed his ‘New Look’ within reach. Now everyone could be a movie star.
My Nana and I have shared some great times watching Bill Collins : ‘The Golden Years of Hollywood’; admiring sassy heroines with teeny tiny waists and voluminous skirts. Watching them dance in winklepickers, brilliant gloves and flower pot hats. Loving the bubble lamps above their heads and marshmallow sofas on which they were perched. Adoring the mid-century fashion fairy tale.
I guess I’ve always been fascinated with fashion that resculpts the body and this is one of the modern eras that really plays with it. I find it endlessly inspiring. The best news is I’ve discovered another place to indulge, My Vintage Vogue. Jessica’s wonderful collection spans the twenties through to the sixties, and includes vintage magazine covers, fashion illustrations and advertising. I can’t wait to show Nana. Do take a look, it’s truly fab!
You can buy vintage images from Vogue, Glamour, Mademoiselle and Charm magazines. Check the Conde Nast store for availability. And if you want to know more about this era, try here, here, here and here.
Very cool!
Love those first red ones in fact I simply MUST HAVE THEM!!
I can see why, absolutely beautiful! Enjoyed seeing the demise of the manual above as well. Cheers.
I’m always fascinated in the 50′s fashion shots as to how an artificial osteoporosis is considered…groovy.
Hows the tailoring!!! You just dont get clothes like that any more!!! Great pics!
That first shot is perfect. I love it.