The 1950s, a decade often associated with poodle skirts and bobby socks, saw fashion reach its most glamorous height, reflecting the world’s desire to leave the austerity of World War II behind. This era, often defined as 1947-1957, coincided with the flourishing of Christian Dior’s fashion label. His 1947 New Look Corelle Line collection, with its nipped-in waists and voluminous skirts, dominated the decade, representing a stark contrast to the masculine silhouettes of the 1940s. This ‘feminine’ silhouette, championed by Dior and his contemporaries like Balenciaga, Balmain, and Jacques Fath, became the defining aesthetic. The world was enthralled by the extravagant clothing, leading to a thriving black market of Parisian couture knock-offs. This period is often considered Couture’s Golden Age, marked by extravagant designs and a high degree of savoir-faire.
By the mid-1950s, a shift in the silhouette emerged. Dior introduced H-lines and Y-lines, moving away from the rigid hourglass shape to a more fluid, architectural A-line silhouette. Chanel’s return to the fashion scene in 1954 with her straight-lined suits further emphasized this trend towards a less restrictive style.
The 1950s saw the rise of the stiletto heel, with designers like Roger Vivier, Salvatore Ferragamo, and André Perugia vying for credit for its popularity. The slender heel, paired with the graceful fashions of the era, became a defining symbol of femininity.
Hollywood had a significant impact on fashion during the decade. Audrey Hepburn in Givenchy in ‘Sabrina’ and Marilyn Monroe in William Travilla’s creations for ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’ became iconic fashion moments, inspiring countless women around the world. Men, too, found their fashion icons. Marlon Brando’s plain white tee in ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ and James Dean’s rebellious denim-and-tee look in ‘Rebel Without a Cause’ created a new archetype of cool, influencing youth fashion for years to come.
Beyond the glamorous Hollywood stars, the 1950s witnessed the rise of subcultures like the Teddy Boys in Great Britain. Their narrow suits, greased hair, and rebellious attitude challenged the conventional norms of the time.
The 1950s saw the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, marking a return to courtly balls and the resurgence of British design. Elvis Presley’s scandalous gyrations on stage, the emergence of Barbie dolls, and the publication of Jack Kerouac’s ‘On the Road’ all marked cultural milestones that shaped the decade’s identity.
This era saw fashion evolve from the glamorous extravagance of the New Look to a more relaxed and youthful style, influenced by Hollywood stars, subcultures, and the changing social landscape. The 1950s, a decade of fashion and social transformation, left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire designers and fashion enthusiasts today.
