1950s Vintage Fashion – A Decade Of Style (Page 1 of 2)

The 1950 s were exciting years in the world of fashion. Following a period of imposed frugality during the war the media was highlighting glamour that had never been seen before so widely and the effects that Hollywood would have on the way that women dressed during this period was to create an impact that no one could have anticipated.

The early fifties saw the introduction of more ladies into the workplace and the styles that were created for day to day wear included suits with a tailored look skirts that hugged waistlines and blouses that were worn discreetly under tailored jackets that were pulled in at the waist to give a flattering and glamorous look that accentuated shape and style.

The hourglass figure became the ideal as stylised by actresses like Marilyn Monroe or took on the Audrey Hepburn demure and sophistication. Gone were the financial restraints of the war torn world and the availability of materials was widened meaning that the beginnings of mass production of affordable fashion was guaranteed to be a success.

The Festival of Britain exhibition in 1951 was to exhibit fabrics that had never been used before in the western world and the beginnings of a new era that was to shape the fashion industry s future began from humble beginnings though flourished because women were no longer thought of as housewives and although many remained faithful to the society image of the mother in the home a certain element of glamour became not only the norm but an acceptable part of life for women all over the world.

Higher standards of manufacture were employed by companies like Marks and Spencer whose trademark for producing quality items shone and the high streets began to sport those designs that had otherwise been beyond the price bracket of ordinary people many of whom had resorted to making their own clothing simply because of lack of availability.

Designers of the times such as Dior and Givenchy went away from the traditional towards new beginnings introducing shapes that emphasised the silhouette of a woman s shape rather than boning clothing in the uncomfortable manner of the 40s realising that women wanted glamour though also wanted functional clothing that was more comfortable and easier to wear.

The world was looking at example and nowhere was this more common than here in England where a man named Hartnell designed the clothing that would be worn by the young Princess Elizabeth who would be crowned in the early fifties and was appearing on television in homes all over the globe influencing the way people perceived fashion available to the masses whereas once it had only been available to those that could afford designs by Fashion houses like Christian Dior.

The fifties brought a new prosperity to the world and also the vision of Hollywood greats and the availability of cinema as one of the most popular forms of entertainment which would influence women worldwide to the glamorous looks and style of their favourite stars.
Carole Hochman Designs Butterfly Soiree Short Nightgown Crisp Stripe Purple Small
Splendid Glen Valley Stripe Tee Heather Grey Large
Lauren Ralph Lauren Double Knit Stripe Robe Brookville Cameo Pink Stripe Large
Sofia By Vix Swimwear Smocked Bikini Bottoms White X Small
Topshop Bow Back Skater Dress
Michael Michael Kors Chain Lace Up Split Neck Top Black Medium
Zella Easy Over Stripe Racerback Tank Lime Soda Large
Equipment Kyle Silk Top Bright White Medium
Tommy Bahama Boyfriend Shirt Cover Up White Medium
Helmut Lang Nexa Mesh Triangle Top Optic White Petite
Chaus Cap Sleeve Top Rich Black Large
Equipment Lynn Print Silk Shirt Peacoat Small