Before there was online shopping, there were mail-order catalogues! Buyers would browse seasonal catalogues from merchants and place orders via telephone or postal order forms. Lana Lobell was one of the popular catalogue clothing labels of the 50s, 60s and 70s, which manufactured ladieswear in New York's garment district. These have to be some of the cutest dresses and outfits we've ever seen! If only we could go back in time and order all of them...
Christian Dior only presented his first haute couture collection at the age of 42 in February 1947. He introduced never-before-seen, sexy silhouettes characterized by the tiny waists, voluptuous busts and voluminous sleeves in a fabulous show. At the end of the fashion show, the editor-in-chief ofHarper's Bazaar, Carmel Snow, exclaimed "It's quite a revolution, dear Christian! Your dresses have such a new look!" And thus, this style became known as the"New Look", which would revolutionize the way women dressed for decades.
I find this silhouette to be the most flattering and feminine for women of all sizes and shapes. Enjoy these images of some of Christian Dior's exquisite women's suits. They could just as easily be worn by a boss lady, or even mother of the bride today!
Take a look at this fascinating article fromHolidaymagazine (June 1950) titled "1950: A Good Round Figure". Apparently women were about to look more like "natural" women that Summer, instead of "being disguised as little boys or long distance swimmers". American designers were going for a more modest, "feminine" look than their French counterparts, who were veering towards bikinis. Isn't it interesting how fashion trends influence not only how we adorn ourselves, but also how we view and manipulate our bodies?
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 […]
