Your Friendly Vintage Fashion Blog
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
As the crisp autumn breeze began to sweep through the streets in the 1940s, fashion for women needed to blend practicality and elegance. While wartime restrictions had an influence on fabric availability and design choices, women still managed to create chic and tailored looks. 1940s women’s fashion during fall not only balanced functionality but also embodied a refined sense of femininity, highlighting the resilience and creativity of the era. Key elements of 1940s Women’s Fashion
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
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
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
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
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