FASHION MAGAZINES - 1950s

The 1950s witnessed significant developments in fashion and women's styles, reflecting a desire for femininity, elegance, and a return to a more polished and glamorous aesthetic after the austerity of wartime fashion. Fashion magazines like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar played crucial roles in shaping trends by highlighting the latest collections from renowned designers such as Christian Dior, Cristóbal Balenciaga, and Pierre Balmain, and capturing the essence of 1950s fashion in elaborate editorial spreads in collaboration with notable photographers such as Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, and Horst P. Horst.

The silhouette of the 1950s was characterized by voluminous, full skirts, worn with crinolines or petticoats underneath. The use of layers and volume in skirts became a hallmark of the era's fashion. One of the most iconic and influential developments in 1950s fashion was Christian Dior's "New Look" that represented a return to glamour and luxury after the restrictions of wartime fashion. This style featured a nipped-in waist, full skirts, and emphasized a feminine hourglass silhouette. While full skirts dominated, tailored suits and pencil skirts were also popular choices for women, reflecting a more streamlined and sophisticated aesthetic. Women embraced structured jackets, fitted waistlines, and slim-fitting pencil skirts that accentuated their curves. Twinsets
became popular casual wear options. Soft pastel hues were prevalent in 1950s fashion. Pink, mint green, baby blue, and lavender were popular choices. Floral prints and polka dots were also fashionable, evoking a feminine and romantic appeal. Accessories such as gloves, hats, and jewelry played a significant role in formal and everyday occasions. The 1950s embraced a polished and glamorous makeup look. The emphasis was on flawless, porcelain-like skin, red lipstick, winged eyeliner, and arched eyebrows. Among the most famous models of the 1950s are Jean Patchett, Dovima, Suzy Parker, Mary Jane Russell, Sunny Harnett, and Lisa Fonssagrives. Fashion icons of the time, such as Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Brigitte Bardot, inspire women's styles until today.