Happy Halloween!
Just Call Him Adrian
Whether sewn into an exquisite evening gown or into a classic suit, a label reading "Gowns by Adrian" indicates an industry mark of excellence.
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| Gilbert Adrian 1950-1955 ©Metropolitan Museum Gift in Memory of Reeva Zenker Lowe |
Gilbert Adrian began his illustrious costuming career in 1925 for Paramount Studio's silent film "Cobra" starring Rudolph Valentino. Before his retirement from costume designing his "Costumes by Adrian" trademark was seen in over 250 films.
Costumes By Irene Sharaff
The man responsible for creating the "star system" that produced some of Old Hollywood's major talents died on this date in 1957.
Louis B. Mayer, along with the Metro-Goldwyn division of the legendary MGM Studios, co-founded the powerhouse studio that dominated the movie business from 1924 to 1954.
Irene Sharaff was a favored costume designer for many of MGM's finest films. Often designing for both Hollywood and Broadway, she won five Academy Awards and a Tony Award for her costumes.
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| Gertrude Lawrence in Stage Production of "The King and I" Costumes by Irene Sharaff 1951 Tony Award Winner in Costume Design |
According to her obituary in The New York Times, Sharaff's use of luxurious Thai silks in the stage production of "The King and I" created a sensation in high fashion and started a trend in interior decorating. She won a Tony Award for her costumes and set design.
Happy Birthday Edith Head
On this date in 1897, Edith Claire Posener was born in San Bernadino, California. The graduate of Stanford University and Chouinard Art College would become the famed costume designer Edith Head.
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| Edith Head Sketch for Grace Kelly Rear Window 1954 Courtesy of Christie's Auction |
One of the most prolific of Hollywood costume designers, Edith Head dressed dozens of actresses and received over thirty Academy Award nominations for her costuming. She won an Oscar for Best Costume Design for eight films.
Head died on October 24, 1981.
Not So Naughty Nighties
The restrictive, bordering on prudish, social mores of the 1950's relegated Frederick's of Hollywood's lingerie advertising to the back pages of women's magazines.
Respectable fifties' housewives purchased their undergarments from the equally proper sales lady behind the counter of their local department store.
Even browsing through the Sears and Roebuck lingerie pages was considered a bit risque and ordering from a Frederick's of Hollywood catalog was downright scandalous. Or so it would seem.
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| Frederick's of Hollywood Advertisement |
It appears a good many of the supposedly puritanical fifties' matrons were buying Frederick's of Hollywood's provocative lingerie. Frederick's innovative merchandising approach made them the market leader in women's lingerie sales for forty years.
An astute businessman, Frederick Mellinger founded his Hollywood, California company in 1947 and is remembered for his invention of the push-up bra, padded bras, and padded girdles.
His use of celebrity models such as Rita Hayworth, Bettie Page, and Debra Paget to publicize his products was instrumental in bringing sexy lingerie to the masses.
Rest In Peace Fats Domino
The world lost one of the biggest stars of fifties' rock and roll music on October 24, 2017 when the legendary Fats Domino passed away. According to the coroner, he died of natural causes at his home in Harvey, Louisiana at the age of 89. Harvey is a suburb of his beloved New Orleans.
Second only to Elvis Presley, Domino had more than three dozen top 40 hits during the forties and fifties. His biggest hit was in 1956 with his version of "Blueberry Hill".
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times in 1985, Mr. Domino said, "I was lucky enough to write songs that carry a good beat and tell a real story that people could feel was their story too - something that old people or the kids could both enjoy."
Mainbocher's Entree to Fifties' Fashion
Today's fifties' fashion featured designer is the American born couturier known simply as Mainbocher. His clientele was comprised of society's most elite with entry to his salon gained only by private endorsement or invitation.
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| Mainbocher Designed Cocktail Dress 1955 ©Metropolitan Museum |
Although Mainbocher's creative genius is undisputed, events happening in the 1930's may have contributed to his success in the 1950's.
Paris Fashion Enchantment
We hope to delight you with a look back at the best of the fifties' fashion designs. Enjoy
Salute Mr. Dior
While on holiday in Montecatini, Italy, and at the age of only fifty-two, legendary French fashion designer Christian Dior died on this date in 1957.
A prolific creator of some of the world's finest haute couture, Dior's 1947 New Look restored allure and seduction to women's fashion and was influential in shaping fifties' fashions.
"We were emerging from the period of war, of uniforms, of women-soldiers built like boxers. I drew women-flowers, soft shoulders, fine waists, like liana, and wide skirts like corolla." Christian Dior
With respect to his genius and with thanks to The Metropolitan Museum, we offer these images that reflect how truly gifted he was.
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| House of Dior "May" Spring/Summer 1953 ©Metropolitan Museum Gift of Mrs. David Kluger "My dream? To make women happier and more beautiful." Christian Dior |
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| Miss Dior 1947 Baccarat Design Courtesy of Live Auctioneers "Long after one has forgotten what a woman has worn, the memory of her perfume lingers." Christian Dior |
A Fitting Shoe
There seems to be a little mystery surrounding who designed the shoes worn by Queen Elizabeth II for her coronation ceremonies.
Although widely purported to have worn gold leather and ruby encrusted Roger Vivier heeled sandals for her June 2, 1953 coronation, not one peep toe (or otherwise) can be seen beneath Queen Elizabeth II's Norman Hartnell white satin and pearl encrusted gown.
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| Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Gown Norman Hartnell Design Display at Buckingham Palace Courtesy of The Royal UK |
The majority of pre-coronation photographs of Princess Elizabeth show her wearing British designer H & M Rayne couture footwear.
My Fair Hat
My Fair Lady, the film version of the Broadway play Pygmalion, premiered in New York City on this date in 1964.
Mr. Cecil Beaton won Academy Awards for his dual roles as Art Director and Costume Designer. By his request, the hats were created by Parisian milliner Madame Paulette.
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| Audrey Hepburn's Costume from My Fair Lady Cecil Beaton Costume Designer Madame Paulette Milliner Live Auctioneers |
Originally held in the Debbie Reynolds Collection, the impressive dress and hat worn by Audrey Hepburn in the Ascot race scene sold at auction in 2011 for 3.7 million dollars.
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| Margain Lacroix Dress worn for races 1910 Les Modes Photo by Feliz |
Great Balls of Fire! It's Scarlett's Hat
Although Gone With The Wind costume designer Walter Plunkett received screen credit for designing the film's hats, it is well established that New York based milliner John P. John, while partnering with Frederick Hirst as John Frederics, Inc, had been commissioned by David O. Selznick to design all of the hats for the movie.
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| John P. John as John Frederics, Inc. 1940-45 Drapery Costume Hat Replica ©Metropolitan Museum Gift of Mrs. R. A. Bernatschke |
To compensate him for the loss of the publicity benefits a film credit would bring him, a deal was negotiated to allow Mr. John to make and sell commercial copies of the film's hats.
Happy Birthday Rita
Rita Hayworth was born on this date in 1918.
Let me try to explain why I am so fond of Rita Hayworth. Actually there is not another Old Hollywood celebrity I love more.
My mother was only sixteen when she came to Arkansas to meet my father's family. My aunts have always said the first time they saw her she looked just like Rita Hayworth. In fact I have pictures of mama with softly waved, long auburn hair and full red rimmed lips just like Rita.
Apparently, my parents had high regard for Miss Hayworth too because they named me after her. Thanks to Rita Hayworth's popularity, many girls born in the fifties were named Rita. Ann was favored for the middle name. Barbara Ann, Karen Ann, Janet Ann, etc.
Rita Hayworth has been on my mind quite a bit lately. My mother in law passed away recently after a five year battle with Alzheimer's Disease. A quote attributed to Hayworth's daughter Yasmin Aga Khan described her mother as "still beautiful but just a shell" describes my mother in law as well.
Princess Yasmin honors her mother with her leadership and fund raising efforts for the Alzheimer's Association Galas throughout the country. Rita Hayworth Gala information can be found HERE
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| Rita Hayworth Costume From "Gilda" Jean Louis Designer Sold for $161,000 ©Bonhams |
Breathtaking Balmain
Am I the only one who likes to imagine where this stunning 1950's Pierre Balmain evening gown was worn? It came from his 1956/1957 Bergdorf Goodman ready to wear line.
Did a socialite purchase the beaded silk evening gown to wear to a dinner party? No, it is probably too formal for a dinner party. Did she wear it to the opera? No, it's not formal enough for the opera. Did she wear it to the premiere of "The King and I"? Any ideas?
You can read more about Pierre Balmain HERE.
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| House of Balmain Bergdorf Goodman Fall 1956/1957 ©Metropolitan Museum Gift of Mrs. Samuel I Newhouse |
We All Love Lucy
The fifties' most iconic television situation comedy "I Love Lucy" first aired on Columbia Broadcast System (CBS) on October 15, 1951. The black and white series starring Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, William Frawley, and Vivian Vance would go on to become one of the most popular and innovative sitcoms in television history. Not only was Lucille Ball a legendary comedienne, she became a pioneer in shaping American culture.
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| Maurice Chevalier, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz I Love Lucy August 1959 Leonard Mccoomb Google:Life |
Feminism Pioneer
As was the norm in 1950's films and television, Lucy and Ricky Ricardo's matching twin beds were separated by a nightstand.
All Dressed Up For National Dessert Day
Delightfully dressed in fifties' finery for a baking contest in 1953. How appropriate for #NationalDessertDay.
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| Baking Contest 1953 Francis Miller Source Google:Life |
This is how we did it in the fifties. Ruffled dresses, rick rack trimmed skirts, eyelet lace pinafores with wide sashes, and Mary Jane shoes were common attire.
Read more about Fifties Fashions for Little Girls HERE.
Are You Ready for National #It'sMyPartyDay
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| 1950's Cupcake Party Dress SusiesBoutiqueCloths |
We are getting all dolled up for National #It'sMyPartyDay. I love this lavender 1950's cupcake dress I found at SusiesBoutiquesCloths. You are all invited so hurry up and choose your gown HERE. Don't be late now.
More Than a Pretty Face
For International #AdaLovelaceDay, we honor the lovely visionary Hedy Lamarr.
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| Hedy Lamarr ©Google:Life Alfred Eisenstaedt |
Ada Lovelace Day is an international celebration of the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
Although better known as an incredibly beautiful screen actress, she was also a pioneer in the field of spread spectrum technology.
On June 10, 1941, while married to Gene Markey, Lamarr as H.K. Markey ET AL (George Anthiel) filed a patent with the US Patent Office for a secret communication system designed to combat the Nazis in WWII. The patent was granted on August 11, 1942. You can see a PDF of the Patent HERE,
Although the true significance of this innovative communication system was not recognized until much later, her contribution would form the foundation for today's cellular wireless systems.
Our highest regards for the inspiring beauty icon who was known as Hedy Lamarr.
Put a Little Wiggle in Your Life
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| Wiggle Dress Rouge Boutique Half Moon Bay |
Today's featured silhouette is the slim and sleek sheath dress. Dresses without a pleat or slit at the hem are sometimes called a wiggle dress. You know, for that little wiggle in your walk. You can read more about Sheath Dresses HERE.
Stop by our friends' shop at Rouge Boutique Half Moon Bay for your own sexy wiggle dress. Or...you can probably find something in Polka Dots!!
Shakespeare's Take on Liz and Dick
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| Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor in 1963 Cleopatra Public Domain Photograph |
"The course of true love never did run smooth"
#ShakespeareSunday "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Act 1 Scene 1
Pillow Talk in a 1950's Peignoir
Pillow Talk premiered on this date in 1959. Rock Hudson and Doris Day star as party line linked foes in what was scandalously billed as a "Sparkling Sexcapade."
Let me explain what was frustrating about the 1950's party lines. For telephone subscribers in primarily rural areas, the phone lines were "shared" by three or four "parties" or customers. The houses may have been miles apart but the lines were connected so that Mr. G could listen to Mrs. B's every conversation.
Although fifties' rules of telephone etiquette suggests politely sharing the line, womanizer Rock Hudson's monopoly of the phone while serenading his bevy of beauties infuriates Doris Day. I will stop here as I want you to watch this delightful movie.
Pillow Talk is awash with celebrated costume/fashion designer Jean Louis' exquisite late fifties' fashions. An earlier post on Mr. Louis can be read HERE.
In the opening scene, perky interior designer Jan Morrow is shown wearing an ice blue, lace trimmed chemise while provocatively applying seamless nylon stockings. The matching peignoir and open toe slippers were considered fifties' morning standard attire. Our page on Retro Lingerie can be seen HERE.
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| Rock Hudson, Doris Day, Tony Randall October 7, 1959 Premiere of Pillow Talk RKO Palace Theater in New York |
Be sure to catch the lovely Doris Day in Pillow Talk.
It's Ballet Baby
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| Ulla Poulsen in the ballet Chopiniana, 1927 by Gerda Wegener Public Doman |
Yikes! We almost missed World Ballet Day! Enjoy this Gerda Wegener painting of Ulla Poulsen in the ballet Chopiniana, 1927.
Dior Does Shoes
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| Christian Dior 1954 ©Metropolitan Museum Gift of Valerian Stux-Rybar, 1980 |
Quote attributed to Christian Dior: "The real proof of an elegant woman is what is on her feet."
See our tribute to Christian Dior HERE
The Sophisticated Sheath Dress
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| Nan Pendleton 1950's Available Now at SayItWithVintage |
So excited to welcome our latest site sponsor and introduce my personal favorite from the charming shop SayItWithVintage. Equally excited that this sweet Nan Pendleton cocktail dress leads perfectly into our Sheath Dress page.
Fashion giants Vionnet and Poiret fancied the svelte sheath silhouette as early as the 1900's with Chanel and Patou continuing the design into the 1930's. The timeless sheath even sustained popularity throughout The Dior New Look era.
Click HERE to read more about the fashion style most often associated with the ever popular Little Black Dress.
I would love your opinion on how we are doing or suggestions for future posts. You can either complete the little form at the top right of the page or leave a comment below and it will magically appear in my email box.
That Special Dress
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| The Pink Dress Guest Post from Better Dresses Vintage |
That outfit, for me, is a white A-line dress with red polka dots and a matching bolero jacket. It's doubtful it made an impression on anyone else but since my grandmother made it for me, it was always a favorite of mine.
Please read and enjoy our Better Dresses Vintage friends's sweet account of her all time favorite dress entitled The Pink Dress.
Now tell us about your favorite dress or outfit.
Cotillion Dresses
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| Cotillion, Party, or Wedding Gown ca. 1950's See at Susiesboutiquecloths Etsy Shop |
Today's post brings attention to fifties Cotillion Dresses. Often a rite of passage during the 1940's and 1950's, the actual ball was a culmination of month's long preparations. See more on our Cotillion Dresses page HERE
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