On 1 June 1952, Marilyn Monroe was given a surprise birthday present by Twentieth Century-Fox, namely, that she would star as Lorelei Lee in the film adaptation of the Broadway smash hitGentlemen Prefer Blondes. Judging by these behind-the-scenes wardrobe test shots, she wasmadefor this role, just as these daringly sensual costumes were made to accentuate every curve of her figure.
I’m fascinated by these 1958 photographs of New York showgirls backstage and on stage. Showgirls could dazzle an audience in their glittery minimal costumes and seem almost super-human with their perfectly coiffed hair and tiny waists. Yet after catching a glimpse behind the scenes we realise they’re quite human like us, and just doing their job, albeit in […]
In the 1950s the job of an airline stewardess was one of the most coveted careers for an American woman. The selection process was tough and only 3 to 5 of every 100 girls who applied to major airlines got taken. Potential candidates had to be attractive and slim (especially around the hips, as they would be eye-level […]
John French (1906-1966) was one of the top fashion photographers on the London scene in the 1950s to 1960s. He worked with many famous models of the time and his work was published in almost every newspaper and magazine. I love how he plays with lighting and contrast to highlight the curves of his models […]
“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.” She was the leading sex symbol of the 1950s and enjoyed a highly successful, glamorized acting career, despite a troubled background. Thus Marilyn Monroe will never be forgotten for her wisdom, wit and timeless beauty, as well as her […]
