Your Friendly Vintage Fashion Blog
Discover the history of the trench coat in women’s fashion, from military beginnings to Hollywood glamour and modern style. Learn why this iconic coat still matters today. … Continue readingThe History of the Trench Coat in Women’s Fashion
Meet Hattie Carnegie, the New York fashion entrepreneur who helped define American ready to wear, mentored iconic designers, and dressed modern women from the 1920s to the 1950s. … Continue readingHattie Carnegie: The Seventh Avenue powerhouse who shaped American fashion
Step into the 1970s with the icons, designers and trendsetters who shaped the decade, from Halston and Diane Von Fürstenberg to Cher, Bianca Jagger and Debbie Harry. … Continue readingFashion History – Icons, designers and trendsetters: 1970s
Discover the life and legacy of Norman Hartnell, royal fashion designer to Queen Elizabeth II and a pioneer of mid-century glamour. From Mayfair salons to coronation gowns, explore his story. … Continue readingSir Norman Hartnell: The Crown’s Couturier and a Legacy Sewn in Silk
Colleen Corby became one of the most beloved faces of the 1960s fashion. With her soft smile and effortless style, she transformed what it meant to be a teen model, blending youthful innocence with modern sophistication. … Continue readingColleen Corby: The Teen Model who Defined 1960s Fashion
The 1950s were an age of glamour, leisure, and carefully curated style. Post-war optimism filled the decade with energy, and a night out wasn’t just about where you went, but how you looked doing it. From dinner dances to cinema dates, women dressed with a sense of elegance that made even the simplest evening feel special. Dinner and Dancing A popular way to spend an evening in the early and mid-1950s was to dine at
From Scandal to Style Icon Few garments carry as much cultural weight as the bikini. Tiny, bold, and endlessly debated, it’s an item of clothing that tells the story of changing attitudes towards fashion, freedom, and the female body. The bikini is a fashion staple now, but its history is anything but simple. Ancient Roots The concept of a two-piece swimsuit isn’t modern at all. In fact, mosaics from Ancient Rome, dating back to around
Born Marquis di Barsento on November 20, 1914 in Naples into one of Florence’s most ancient families, Pucci could’ve lived a life of privilege and repose. Instead, adventure called. He turned his hand to skiing, politics, and eventually fashion. He studied in Milan, spent time at Reed College in Oregon (where he even formed their first ski team!), and flew bombers for Italy in World War II. A man of many hats, including politician (Italian Chamber of Deputies,
Continue readingCapri, Colour and Couture: The Rise of Emilio Pucci
From country girl to global icon, Jean Shrimpton didn’t just model clothes, she modelled a new way of being. With a simple white dress and a quiet confidence, she helped shape the style and spirit of an entire decade. Early Life and Path to Modelling Stardom Jean Rosemary Shrimpton was born on the 7th of November 1942 in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. A quiet market town known more for its chair making than fashion sense, High
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Edith Head, a name always associated with Hollywood glamour, was a trailblazing costume designer whose influence spanned over five decades. With her signature round glasses and impeccable style, she not only dressed the stars but became one herself. Her journey from a modest upbringing to becoming the most celebrated costume designer in film history is both inspiring and fascinating. Early Life and Education Born Edith Clare Posener on October 28th, 1897 in San Bernardino, California,
André Courrèges, a name forever associated with futuristic fashion and avant-garde design, revolutionised the fashion industry in the 1960s with his innovative approach and visionary creations. His legacy continues to influence designers and fashionistas worldwide. Early life Born on the 9th of March 1923, in Pau, France, André Courrèges was the son of a butler. Growing up, his father encouraged him to pursue a career in engineering, leading him to study at the École Nationale
Sharon Tate, born on January 24, 1942, was an American actress and model who gained fame in the 1960s. Despite a brief career marked by talent and beauty, her life ended tragically when she was murdered in 1969, while pregnant. Tate’s legacy lives on through her impactful performances in Hollywood. … Continue readingFashion history – Sharon Tate
Jacques Fath was a notable French designer known for his impact on haute couture after World War II. Born in 1912, he began his fashion career in 1937 and gained fame for his innovative designs and contributions to the “New Look.” Despite early struggles, Fath became a pivotal figure, mentoring future designers before his death in 1954. … Continue readingFashion History – Jacques Fath
Frederick’s of Hollywood, founded by Frederick Mellinger in the mid-20th century, revolutionized the lingerie industry with bold designs and innovations like the padded bra. The brand thrived on Hollywood glamour and cultural impact but faced challenges from competitors and societal shifts. Today, it operates online, continuing its legacy of provocative fashion. … Continue readingFashion History – Frederick’s of Hollywood
Pattie Boyd, born Patricia Anne Boyd on the 17th of March 1944 in Somerset, England is a model and photographer known for her influence on 1960s fashion as well as her relationships with George Harrison and Eric Clapton. Her life has a vibrant modelling career, well-known relationships and contributions to the arts. Early Life Pattie was the eldest child of Colin Ian Langdon Boyd and Diana Frances Boyd. Her childhood involved frequent relocations due to
In vibrant 1960s London, Biba quickly emerged as a fashion phenomenon that redefined style and retail culture. Founded by Barbara Hulanicki, Biba’s journey from a modest mail-order business to a bustling fashion emporium reflects the spirit of 1960s innovation and youthful energy. Barbara Hulanicki: The visionary behind Biba. Born in Warsaw, Poland in 1936, Barbara Hulanicki was immersed in creativity from a young age. Her father, who was a diplomat, was tragically assassinated when she
Anne Fogarty was an influential American fashion designer whose work from the 1940s through to the 1980s left a lasting impact on women’s fashion. Known for her elegant, accessible collections, she played a major role in shaping mid-20th-century style. Early Life and Education Born Anne Whitney on the 2nd of February 1919 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she was the youngest of four children to Robert and Marion Whitney. Her parents had immigrated in 1909 from Cape
Priscilla Presley is more than just a footnote in the story of Elvis Presley; she is a trailblazer, a style icon, and a cultural figure who has carved out her own legacy. From her early life as a military child to becoming the wife of the King of Rock and Roll, Priscilla’s life has been filled with love, challenges, and reinvention. After her divorce, she transformed herself into a successful business woman and actress while
The socialites of the 1940s were largely defined by their connections to prominent families, glamorous lifestyles, and influence in fashion, arts, and entertainment. Despite World War II and its impact on global society, many of these individuals remained fixtures in elite circles, hosting lavish parties, influencing style, and mingling amongst the rich and famous. Barbara Hutton Known as the “Poor Little Rich Girl”, Barbara Hutton was the Woolworth heiress and one of the richest women
Babe Paley was more than just a style icon – she was a woman who captivated the world with her grace, elegance, and influence, leaving a lasting legacy on mid-20th-century society. Known for her impeccable fashion sense and her role as one of Truman Capote’s famous “swans”, she moved effortlessly through the most exclusive circles, shaping trends and setting standards for beauty and poise. However, beneath the glamorous facade, Babe’s life was also marked by
The cocktail dress has long been a staple of chic evening wear, embodying sophistication, mystery, and glamour. As a symbol of classic elegance, the cocktail dress has a fascinating history that reveals much about cultural changes in style, social norms and women’s empowerment. The origins – 1920s – 1930s The cocktail dress has its roots in the Roaring Twenties, a decade marked by liberation and defiance. As prohibition gave rise to clandestine “cocktail hours,” women
Women’s fashion in the 1960s were marked by a radical departure from the structured, elegant styles of the 1950s. As society shifted toward greater freedom and self-expression, fashion evolved to reflect the changing attitude of society. The decade saw the rise of youth culture, bold experimentation and increasing rejection of cultural norms. Influential designers and style icons shaped these changes, turning the 1960s into the fashion revolution that still inspires today. Mary Quant When it
Continue readingFashion History – Icons, designers and trendsetters: 1960s
Barbara Hutton (1912 – 1979) was an American socialite, heiress, and philanthropist. She was widely known as the “Poor Little Rich Girl” at first due to her lavish coming out ball sorting the Great Depression and later due to her tumultuous personal life. She inherited the Woolworth fortune becoming one of the wealthiest women in the world. Despite her wealth, she endured a series of personal tragedies, failed marriages and a complicated public image. Early
Lee Miller was a pioneering figure in both the worlds of art and journalism, seamlessly transitioning from a celebrated fashion model to a trailblazing war photographer. With her early life marked by both privilege and trauma, she used these experiences to shape her unique perspective on the world. Early Life Born Elizabeth “Lee” Miller in 1907 in Poughkeepsie, New York, Miller was raised in a creative household. Her father, Theodore Miller, was an amateur photographer,
Ingrid Bergman was not just an actress, she was a cinematic icon who redefined beauty and talent in the film industry. Born in Stockholm, Sweden on the 29th August 1915, Bergman charmed audiences globally with her luminous on-screen presence and genuine acting style. With a career that spanned five decades, she became one of the most influential actresses of the 20th century, leaving an indelible mark on classic Hollywood cinema. Ingrid Bergman’s early life Ingrid
The 1950s was a golden age for women’s fashion, marked by a return to elegance, femininity, and a celebration of the hourglass silhouette. After the austerity of the 1940s, fashion in the 1950s embraced luxurious fabrics, full skirts, and a renewed emphasis on the idealised feminine figure. Several key individual were at the forefront of this fashion revolution, from designers who defined haute couture to movie stars who set trends with their impeccable style. The
Continue readingFashion History – Icons, Trendsetters and Designers – 1950s
There are few figures from the 1960s the embody the spirit of the decade like Edie Sedgwick. Model, actress, socialite and muse, Edie was the face of Andy Warhol’s underground scene and captivated the world with her striking looks, bohemian style and glamorous, yet tragic life. Born into wealth and privilege, her brief life was a whirlwind of fame, fashion and turmoil, making her a cultural icon who continues to inspire. The early life of
When you think of Diana Dors, visions of a glamorous, larger-than-life movie star may come to mind. Often referred to as Britain’s answer to Marilyn Monroe, Dors captivated the public with her beauty, charisma and penchant for drama. But there is so much more to her than the glitzy persona she projected. Behind the dazzling smile and platinum hair, Diana Dors was a complex, savvy woman who continually reinvented herself, both on and off screen.
Fashion in the 1940s was heavily shaped by the global turbulence of World War II and the post-war recovery. The need for practicality blended with the desire for elegance resulted in a fashion era that remains iconic today. Influential figures left a lasting mark on the style that defined 1940s fashion, making a mark on both everyday attire and high-end couture. From movie stars to visionary designers, these individuals were key to shaping the look
Continue readingFashion History – Icons, designers, and trendsetters – 1940s
Mary Quant, a trailblazing fashion designer who revolutionised the industry in the 1960s and beyond She was the designer of the classic mini skirt as well as the vivid, eye-catching cosmetics that encouraged a generation of women to challenge conventional gender roles and e xpectations. Mary Quant swiftly established herself as a household name and a key player in the fashion and cosmetics sectors with her lively, youthful energy and bold approach to design. We’ll examine
In the world of fashion, few names are as iconic and enduring as Dovima. Born into poverty in Queens, New York, Dovima faced numerous challenges and obstacles on her path to success. However, through hard work, perseverance, and an unyielding passion for fashion, she went on to become one of the most famous models of her time and a lasting symbol of elegance and glamour. Dovima’s story is a testament to the power of determination
The modern world is obsessed with Marilyn Monroe. This all started when she burst onto the scene in the 1950s. She was an American actress, model, and singer famous for playing comedic blonde bombshells in her movies. One of the most enduring sex symbols of the 50s and 60s, she has become a pop culture icon and is emblematic of the era’s sexual awakening. There’s much more to Marilyn than the funny, dumb sex kitten,
Born Betty Joan Perske, Lauren Bacall was named the 20th greatest female star of classic Hollywood cinema by the America Film Institute and recieved an Academy Honorary Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2009. Known for her alluring, sultry presence and distinctive, husky voice, Lauren Bacall began her career as a model before embarking on her film career. Early life of Lauren Bacall Lauren Bacall was born Betty Joan Perske
Born Margarita Carmen Cansino on October 17 1918, Rita Hayworth was born into a family of dancers in Brooklyn, New York. The world would worship her as a sex symbol and star of movies like Gilda, You were Never Lovelier, and Separate Tables. But what happened to her as a child would scar Rita Hayworth for the rest of her life. Rita Hayworth achieved fame in the 1940s as one of the top stars of
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
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
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
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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
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
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
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