For the love of the 50s

You will have seen in a previous post about a dress I saw in the 1950s style that sadly I missed out on. This was sad because I absolutely love the 50s fashion and the changes made to the industry during that period. It is definitely my other option of an era I would love to live in. Funny how both eras are shortly after the World Wars isn’t it?

You might also enjoy – Where is the dress? and Radical roaring 20s

Fashion in the 50s saw a larger gender divide than previously. While men were going to for more casual wear, woman found their way in more formal, elegant and feminine wear with a lot more fun in them. Christian Dior’s ‘New Look’ with the nipped in waist line and full poofy skirt was an instant success in the late 1940s and become the leading dress style through to the mid 50s. Following that a slimmer, more silhouette look came into play.

Another iconic aspect of this look was the structured collars, which were previously seen on men’s garments, along with the femininity of the rest of the dress. It was during this time the girls became a lot more daring and the pin up girls became a big thing. Models were agreeing to much more racy shoots and the styles were much more daring but still tasteful and feminine and not smutty.

One of my favourite photo shoots of my modeling days was located in a junk yard just outside of Harare, Zimbabwe. I had been adamant one of my looks for the shoot was going to be in the 50s style. I hired a dress and knew the exact style for my hair I wanted and was so excited. The most amazing thing happened while we were shooting another look. A 1950s style car that was obviously used as a prop in a theater production was brought into the junk yard where we were shooting. I honestly couldn’t believe my luck. We used the beautiful car and made the most amazing pics of my portfolio (in my opinion).

Fashion is one of my true loves and absolutely love writing and sharing with you. Tell about one of your greatest loves.

Until next time…