1950s Today

Above: http://www.elle.com/fashion/spotlight/fall-2010-runway-fashion-trend-dress-the-decades-450075
Prada (left) Nina Ricci (middle) Louis Vuitton (right)

The birth of Post-World-War-II American Fashion occurred in the 1950s. It was an era for new blood in the fashion designing world. It was an era of Marilyn Monroe, where stars and women dressed in dazzling luxury. The fashion was shaped by Christian Dior’s 'New Look' collection which was actually introduced in 1947 after the war. It was all about the hourglass silhouette; people started to have a little more freedom when it came to their fashion choices. It was a new beginning for fashion! In this fashion era, a gorgeous dress was certainly not enough. It was worn with petticoats, lined tights, gloves, pearls, a hat, and heels to complete the look.

Left: 
Right: http://fabrickated.com/2014/09/

In the 1950’s, skirts were extremely popular. They either flared or hugged your body but were always below the knee. Another extremely popular skirt during this time period was the poodle skirt. The poodle skirts were more popular amongst the teenagers. The name of this skirt derived from the poodle design inked on the bottom of the skirts. The poodle skirt was very simple yet elegant. Accesorizing was essential to finish off this look. From handbags to hats to jewellery and, of course, hair and makeup! Everything had to be perfectly matched from top to bottom.

The shoes worn were mainly rounded or peep toed, kitten heels, stiletto heels and casual oxfords for the youngsters. 

Cat eye glasses are probably the most remembered style of vintage eyeglasses. It was the charm of all Hollywood stars such as Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. Though the cat eye glasses came about in the 1950s, they reached their peak popularity when Audrey Hepburn wore a pair in the 1961 film 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'.

Left: http://fashionvoyage.org/1950s-fashion.html
Middle: http://stylewithshannon.com/gossip-girl-blair-waldorf-style-and-fashion/
Right: http://scarlettlondon.com/2013/01/

Cropped pants or shorts were paired with simple, patterned blouses or knitted tops for a chic casual look. Sophisticated teens wore slacks and shirts. They also worse pencil or poodle skirts with pretty jumpers or twin sets with their hair tied back in a ponytail. The more rebellious teens wore outfits similar to the "Pink Ladies" and "T-Birds" from the movie Grease. These trends had a great impact on modern fashion.

Left: http://www.posterlounge.co.uk/marilyn-monroe-seven-year-itch-pr181693.html
Right:http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/oscars/photos/0,,20786680_20561293_21105400,00.html

The hourglass silhouette and the full skirt were the dynamic duo for the 1950's prom dress. Whether it was sweet and simple, ornate or a sea of chiffon, the prom dress was the occasion dress. Variations of the prom dress had spaghetti straps, small sleeves and halternecks. The Halterneck became increasingly popular after Marilyn’s famous scene in the 'Seven-Year Itch'.

Above: http://www.doctormacro.com/Movie%20Star%20Pages/Hepburn,%20Audrey-Annex.htm

Towards the late 1950s the famous little black dress worn by Audrey Hepburn was born. The dress was designed by Hubert de Givenchy. It was the start of the “corset-free” dresses, as the modern look came in with brighter colors, braver prints and shorter hems. 

Left: http://www.inofashion.com/kate-spade-spring-2012-playful-prints-in-colorful-dress-collections/kate-spade-springsummer-2012-press-event-3/
Right: http://www.inofashion.com/kate-spade-spring-2012-playful-prints-in-colorful-dress-collections/kate-spade-springsummer-2012-press-event-7/

Kate Spade’s current fashion collections always have a hint of the 50s. This is a picture from Kate Spade's spring collection in 2012. The cuffed jeans are in different colours to bring today's modern touch. The blue dress above incorporates the 50s with a modern twist by designing a dress below the knees with a daring print and bold colour coordination of the bad and shoes. 

Above: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/414753446905959879/

In today's fashion world, designers are incorporating trends from the 20s, 40s, 50s, even the Victorian era. There could be a Marilyn Monroe halter-neck dress but in leather or neon pink fabric. It is just a never ending development of style and trends.

Written by Michellejeet Kaur with Visuals by Tania Islam