1950s Fashion - Beneath the Dreamboats and Petticoats

For most of us, when we think of 1950's fashion, we think the classic cinched waist line and huge circle skirt, filled with petticoats and crinoline. That killer New Look shape, created by Dior after the Second World War, has got to be the epitome of mid century style. It's most definitely the shape I am asked for most at My Vintage and one that I tend to stock the most of!

Original 1950s Vintage Damask Print Cotton Wiggle Dress UK Size 10

But underneath all the puffed out petticoats, there was so much more to fifties fashion, most of which are still with us in 2015...

One of the most prevalent features of 50's fashion was prints. Beautiful painterly florals, illustrated and cartoon style novelty designs and technology inspired geometrics and atomic patterns. These amazing prints make so much of the vintage clothing I come across so instantly recognisable. These gorgeous prints featured on a range of fabrics, starting with silks, satins and cottons but leading to the new light nylons of the era. These materials were so very popular as they dried overnight, this made clothing cheaper and easier to was and that was a big deal to the girls of the decade.

1950s Vintage Rose Print Chiffon Prom Dress UK Size 6

Christian Dior may have created the New Look shape, but he always said that fashion should never stand still. This led to him introducing collections that each challenged preceding silhouettes. From 'Tulipe' to 'H-Line', 'A-Line' and 'Y-Line' - these collections were so popular that manufacturers from leading fashion houses such as Givenchy, Nina Ricci and Balengiaga rushed over to invest in patterns and were sometimes even known to smuggle garments back so they could be copied!


Meanwhile, over in American, a new market was blossoming. Ready to wear separates for the younger market; namely blouses, jumpers, tops, skirts, knitwear and jackets. What really made these different was that they no longer needed to co-ordinate. Mix and match became a real thing, and was commonly know as "sweater dressing" This brand new trend became an alternative and internationally accepted way to dress and that's why it provides so many of the vintage garments from the 1950's that we see today.

50s Vintage Sequin Shift Top Mermaid Blue UK Size 10

Apart from the many rails of beautiful reproduction 1950's clothing we have at My Vintage, we also have many stunning original pieces from the era. Unique and one of a kind, there are few things quite as special as an original 1950's wiggle dress or a novelty print circle skirt. Pop in to see us or have a browse online to see some of our current 50's pieces and more.

Over and out!
Em xx

Oscar de la Renta: A Tribute

There are hundreds of collectable labels when it comes to vintage fashion, but there are only a handful that really make my heart sing. One of those has got to be Oscar de la Renta, who sadly passed away this week.

In 1932 this future fashion legend was born in the Dominican Republic, moving to Spain in his late teens to follow his love of art. It wasn't long before this passion for art was focused on fashion and he undertook an apprenticeship with Spain's infamous Balenciaga.

De La Renta dressed the remarkable Jackie Kennedy in the early 60s, which undoubtedly launched his name into the stratosphere, leading to him creating his own label several years later.

Throughout his career, he dressed a long line of first ladies, including Nancy Reagan, Laura Bush and most recently, Michelle Obama.

He was diagnosed with cancer in 2006 and passed away on 20th October 2014, aged 82. He will always be one of my favourite designers and I wanted to take this opportunity to pay homage to some of his amazing creations. Here are some of my favourites from the past few decades...

We have some gorgeous vintage Oscar de la Renta pieces at My Vintage, and here are my top picks...

Designer Vintage Oscar De La Renta Silk Floral Skirt Suit 10/12

Designer Vintage 1960s Oscar De La Renta Mod Dress Size 8/10

1980s Vintage Designer Oscar De La Renta Paisley Print Scarf

We've lost a real fashion legend, but I am so glad that I have some of his amazing timeless pieces in my collection. If you have a favourite Oscar de la Renta piece, why not show me on Twitter or via the comments below :)

Over and out!
Em x

Vintage Outfits of the Week - 15th July at My Vintage (www.myvintage.co.uk)

This week I have compiled an extra long list of 8 Outfits of the Week for you!

From 90s kid to 50s housewife - these vintage outfits have got it all!

But which one will be the winner this week??

Here goes!

So now you've seen all 8 contenders, it's time to vote for your favourite! Just tweet me or leave a comment in the box below to cast your all important vote!

I will let you know the winner later in the week!

Bye for now

Em 

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