Your Friendly Vintage Fashion Blog
Hubert de Givenchy is known for introducing the world to the “Little Black Dress” and dressing Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy, but just who is he? And how did his journey to greatness begin? What makes his everlasting legacy fashion house still the epitome of style. Discover the man behind the style with me. The little black dress is the hardest thing to realise because you must keep it simple Hubert Givenchy, Independent Interview in
You know when you love something so much that the idea of actually doing it makes you worry? I think we’ve all been there to be honest, and I am no stranger to feeling anxious about what people think. I had always loved the wartime and post-war styles of the 40s, 50s and early 60s. However I never really had to confidence to even try dressing that way. Many people feel the same, and this
Continue readingHow to Dress Vintage – 10 tips for your vintage look
When you think of the lingerie of the 1940s, it’s natural to think of the glamorous, satin clad pin-up girls whose pictures filled the walls of soldiers posted overseas. Beautiful, peppy women posed provocatively in corsets, nightgowns and swimsuits with a look that is still popular today. In reality, things were a little different especially in places where war rationing was affecting goods and services. Women weren’t lounging about in restrictive luxurious garments. Not only
Continue readingWhat they Wore – 1940s Lingerie and Shapewear
When you think of the 1950s, you automatically think of Hollywood glamour. At this time, stars like Marilyn Monroe, Jane Russell, and Lana Turner had the ideal body type: big breasts, big hips, and a small waist—the hourglass figure. If you didn’t have them naturally, you could use 1950s lingerie and shapewear to help you achieve the ideal body. The hourglass silhouette of the 1950s happened thanks to the lingerie of the decade. To get
Continue readingWhat they wore – 1950s Lingerie and Shapewear
Grace Kelly is without a doubt the epitome of elegance and if you were to look up the word in a dictionary you would be sure to see her name in the definition. The actress, who was known for films like Hitchcock’s Rear Window, became Princess of Monaco upon her marriage to Prince Rainer III in 1956. Her style was more than befitting of her royal title and is still inspirational for those who want
When you think of the fairytale vintage wedding, it’s likely that you think of Grace Kelly and her romantic love story with Prince Rainer III of Monaco. In fact, not only did she look like a Princess that day, she actually became one too. Grace Kelly is someone many want to emulate, and her classic and classy wedding gown is to die for. Did you know that she had two wedding gowns? Read on for
The 1950s were a golden era for bridal fashion, marked by elegance, innovation, and a touch of Hollywood glamour. Brides embraced styles that combined traditional modesty with contemporary flair, resulting in wedding attire that remains iconic to this day. Early 1950s: Structured Elegance In the early 50s, wedding gowns featured sweetheart necklines, cinched waists, and full skirts, creating a classic princess silhouette. Fabrics like silk and Duchesse satins provided a smooth, shiny finish, while handmade
Even though the world was in turmoil in the 1940s, people still fell in love and got married. In fact, as with any time of uncertainty, people were more likely to throw caution to the wind and get hitched as the post-war baby boom shows. 1940s weddings were less formal than previous and following decades however, with most held during the 10am and 1pm brunch time with a light meal and cake served to guests
There’s something magical about summer in the 1950s. The decade was alive with optimism, glamour, and a sense of fun – and fashion reflected that. After the rationing and practicality of the 1940s, the post-war boom brought a burst of colour, fabric, and fabulous new trends. Gone was the “make do and mend” attitude. In its place? Bold dresses, playful prints, and coordinated accessories that screamed style. Women drew inspiration from Hollywood starlets, glossy magazines,
Born in 1895 to his fisherman father and seamstress mother in Getaria the province of Gipizkoa in the Basque Country of Spain Cristóbal Balenciaga had a reputation as a couturier of uncompromising standards and was referred to as “the master of us all” by none other than Christian Dior. Dressmaking and clothing design was in his blood, and as a child Balenciaga often spent time with his mother as she worked. At the age of
The British-American actress Elizabeth Taylor became just as well known for her string of marriages as her films. After finding herself thrust into the spotlight, she was forced to become wise beyond her years after starring in romantic films with actors far older than she was. That accelerated path into on-screen romance influenced her real love life too. Walk through the pages of time with me and discover Elizabeth Taylor’s matrimonial style. I was then
Continue readingFashion History – Elizabeth Taylor’s Wedding Dresses
These days fashion houses marketing and creation other products such as cosmetics and perfumes may not be unusual, but Pierre Cardin started this practice, and was widely criticised for it. Many thought that this was weakening his brand, but the sheer strength of his logo and name ensured this was a rousing success. History of Pierre Cardin Born in Venice, Italy in 1922 his parents were wealthy landowners that fled to France to escape the
Hello, lovely. Let’s take a little step back in time to the polished, poised, unmistakably elegant world of Jackie Kennedy. Few women have shaped twentieth century style quite like her. She was born Jacqueline Bouvier, became Jacqueline Kennedy as the wife of John F. Kennedy, and served as First Lady of the United States from 1961 to 1963. But her influence reached far beyond politics. She helped create an image of youthful sophistication in the
Hedy Lamar, born Hedwig Eva Marie Kiesler on the 9th of November 1914, in Vienna Austria, was far more than just a Hollywood beauty. She was a trailblazer in both the entertainment and technology worlds. Known as the “most beautiful woman in the world” during her time, Lamarr’s story is one of talent, intelligence, and innovation. Early Life I liked play-acting. I used to do it all the time as a child. Hedy Lamarr Hedy
1950s spring style is one of my favourites, pretty pastels, beautiful florals and rain macs are a great way to stay warm and stylish. All of a sudden it seems that the world has awoken from its winter slumber and spring is here. And I love it! It’s always difficult for me to decide what to wear in Springtime, mainly because the threat of rain is always on the horizon here in the UK. I
The 1950s housewife would run the home, look after her family and look good whilst doing it. Learn how you can get the look of these iconic women. … Continue readingWhat they Wore – The 1950s Housewife
Hello lovely, Today we’re stepping into the glossy, controversial, completely unforgettable world of Bettie Page, the 1950s pin up who became an underground icon and later, a full blown pop culture legend. She’s often called the Queen of Pinups, and once you’ve seen that famous fringe, those bright eyes, and the bold, playful confidence she carried into every frame, you get it. And yet, her story isn’t just glamour, it’s grit too. Who was Bettie
When people think of 1950s British youth subcultures, the Teddy Boys often steal the spotlight. But alongside them was an equally stylish and rebellious group – the Teddy Girls or Judies, as they were sometimes called. These young women carved out a bold, distinctive style that blended Edwardian fashion with contemporary elements, creating a look that was tough and elegant. Despite being largely overlooked in historical discussion of subcultures, the Teddy Girls played a significant
We explore the Preppy style of the 1950s, drawing inspiration from films like Grease. It highlights the clean and wholesome appearance of “preppies,” characterized by pastel colors, full skirts, and neat grooming. Teenage girls favored items like poodle skirts and saddle shoes while maintaining classic hairstyles, promoted by icons such as Lucille Ball. … Continue readingWhat they Wore – Teenagers – 1950s Preppy
Find out the historical context of fashion post-World War II, highlighting Christian Dior’s 1947 “New Look” collection. This marked a shift from wartime austerity to a more voluminous silhouette, characterized by curvaceous lines and luxurious fabrics. Dior’s innovative designs revitalized women’s fashion and reestablished Paris as a fashion capital. … Continue readingFashion History – Christian Dior